http://humanisticjews.orgAmerica/New_YorkAmerica/New_YorkAmerica/New_York20171105T020000-0400-0500EST20180311T020000-0500-0400EDTai1ec-752@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@alumni.princeton.edu2015032020150323Michigan0HuJews Teen Conclaveai1ec-946@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDana Preis; danapreis@gmail.com2015101020151012+41.388809;-72.526805Guest House Retreat & Conference Center @ 318 West Main Street, Chester, CT 06412, USA0CHJ Retreatai1ec-984@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net2016030420160307Chicago0SHJ HuJews Teen Conclaveai1ec-1513@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDana Preis; danapreis@gmail.com2016102920161031Guest House Retreat and Conference Center @ 318 W Main St, Chester, CT 06412, USA0Retreat- Chester,CTai1ec-2043@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDana Preis; danapreis@gmail.com2017102120171023+41.388933;-72.526818Guest House Retreat and Conference Center @ 318 W Main St, Chester, CT 06412, USA0Retreatfreeai1ec-2058@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZKate; 215-692-2068; katehujews@gmail.comHuJews Youth Conclave 2018
for teens in grades 8 – 12 and college students
“Legacy: Your place in Jewish history”
Join us as we discover America’s beginning, the role Jews played in this pivotal time, and learn how to make our mark on the future. Independence Hall, historic Philadelphia, service learning, and doughnuts.
Transportation and meals provided.
The HuJews Conclave is an annual North American teen and college conference sponsored by the Society for Humanistic Judaism. Conclave brings together teens in grades 8-12 and college students from across the United States and Canada for a weekend of fun, service, insight, and discovery. Conclave empowers young Humanistic Jews to connect with their peers and engage in thought-provoking discussions, fun-filled workshops, rewarding community service activity, and much more.
Registration Now Open. For questions or to register,
call Kate at 215-692-2068 or email katehujews@gmail.com.2018032320180326+39.988114;-75.19712Hostel Intl-Chamounix Mansion @ Fairmount Park, Reservoir Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19119, USA0SHJ HuJews Teen Conclavefreeai1ec-738@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDana Preis; danapreis@gmail.com
Come enjoy the camaraderie when CHJ men get together.20150222T093000TBD0Men’s Rap1ai1ec-792@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZNOIT; info@noit.org
Greater Bridgeport Tent of Abraham announces a screening of Waking in Oak Creek, a new documentary that tells the story of a community working together to overcome tragedy after six worshipers at a Sikh temple are killed by a white supremacist.
Waking in Oak Creek is the first in a series of five films released as part of the Working Together for Safe, Inclusive Communities Initiative, a collaboration between Not In Our Town and the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)20150222T150000+41.159101;-73.257254Fairfield University, Dolan School of Business, Dining Room @ Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824, USA0Waking in Oak Creek Film Screening and Community Discussion1ai1ec-571@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZTeri Klein ; teriklein@optimum.net
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.
20150228T100000home of Teri Klein0Women’s Rap1ai1ec-682@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.net
Join us this Sunday as we take a look at the career of Woody Allen. If you are a lover of Woody’s films as I am, it promises to be a very entertaining morning. My ‘working title’ for this extravaganza is ‘Woody Allen— Love, Death, The Horrible & The Miserable’, but I can’t promise that I won’t change it by Sunday.
As usual, bagels and coffee begin at 9:30, with the program starting at 10:00.
20150301T09300020150301T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/ Adult Ed- Woody Allenai1ec-695@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLisa Finn; LKBFinn25@gmail.com
The Healing Power of Mindfulness…Cultivating Resilience, Stress and the Mind-Body Connection with Dr. Paul Epstein
Join us for an empowering Shabbat evening session with Dr. Paul Epstein for the real story on the buzzword everyone’s talking about….”MINDFULNESS”. From a Time Magazine cover story to meditating with Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes, one can’t escape hearing about ‘Awareness and Mindfulness’ as the latest and greatest approach to a better, healthier lifestyle. And while it all sounds good, what does it really mean to be mindful…and can we really reap the benefits of meditation in a world that thrives on distraction and mindless-ness? While seemingly just discovered, mindfulness is anything BUT new. Dr. Epstein has been teaching and integrating mindfulness to alleviate stress-related illness and promote personal healing for over 30 years. His whole person approach invokes inner self-healing through mindfulness and compassion for oneself while addressing physical and emotional challenges. This interactive experiential session will focus on the practice, benefits and teachings of mindfulness meditation and their clinical application and integration in all aspects of everyday life.
Paul Epstein, ND, is a naturopathic physician, a 1984 graduate of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, specializing in mind-body integrative medicine and mindful healing. He is co-founder of the Israel Center for Mind-Body Medicine, and maintains a private practice in Westport. He is the author of Happiness Through Meditation.
20150306T190000+41.141782;-73.256959Yoga for Everybody @ 27 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06824, USA0Mindfulness1ai1ec-685@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@alumni.princeton.edu
Purim Party 10:30 – 12:3020150308T09300020150308T123000+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Purim Partyai1ec-687@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@alumni.princeton.edu20150313T190000Homes of Various Members0Shabbat Across CHJ1ai1ec-826@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAlan Katz; ankatz@fairfield.edu
Alan Katz will lead a book discussion on Ari Shavit‘s “My Promised Land:The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel”. Shavit, a journalist and columnist for Haaretz, has written a thoughtful, complex, brillliant and balanced book on Israel today. The New York Times, in its glowing review said “:This is the least tendentious book abut Israel I have ever read.It is a Zionist book unblinkered by Zionism…”
A few rules: (1) every participant must be respectful of the views of everyone; (2) the discussion leader will call upon people to speak-no calling out or monopolizing the discussion; (3) if you have not read the section for the month, you may come to the discussion but you may NOT speak (we will ONLY discuss this book so if you haven’t read it, you have nothing to speak about); and (4) the discussion leader will NOT lecture or tie things up at the end of the sessions-that is the job of the group.
This group is now filled.
This is the last discussion in this series. It may be repeated later in the year.20150316T193000Home of Alan Katz0Book Discussion – My Promised Land by Ari Shavit1ai1ec-848@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSteve Ulman; ulmans@alumni.princeton.edu
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, CHJ will be holding a Board Meeting . Please take a look at the preliminary agenda below, and let me know if there is anything you would like to add. As always, all members are welcome to attend, but please let us know in advance if you are coming. Just send e-mail to ulmans@optonline.net.
CHJ Board Meeting Agenda
17 March 2015
Nominating Committee (30 mins.)
We need to start thinking about positions for next year, especially re-activating the role of Vice President of Programming, who will oversee our education about Israel and anti-semitism. We need to elect a nominating committee of at least three to start filling these positions.
Engaging SHJ (30 mins.)
Invariably at the Annual Meeting someone asks why we spend so much on SHJ dues. SHJ offers many resources, of which we may not be taking full advantage. We will watch a brief video about SHJ’s efforts to reach out to the leaders of its member Congregations. Do we want to engage SHJ more fully and if so, how?
New Business (15 mins.)
20150317T193000Home of the Ulmans0Board Meeting1ai1ec-694@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.net
Book facilitator and CHJ member, Susan Boyar, will lead us in a group reading and discussion of the Allegra Goodman short story, “Apple Cake.” Susan’s selections are always thought provoking, and encourage a lively discourse amongst attendees.
Note: We will have only 5 printed copies to distribute. Please either print your own copy or view on an electronic device. A pdf of the story will be distributed via the CHJ list serve, and can be found online at: http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/07/07/apple-cake
Bagels and and coffee begin at 9:30am, the program starts at 10:00am.
20150322T09300020150322T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed-Short story with Susan Boyarai1ec-809@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLynn; (203) 336-1858; lynn@cbibpt.org
Join us for an evening of connection, learning, sharing,
and celebrating freedom.
Passover “Tapas style” appetizers, drinks
and desserts will be served
Please no alcohol.20150326T193000+41.194967;-73.215917Congregation B'nai Israel @ 2710 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA0Interfaith Passover Seder with Greater Bridgeport Tent of Abraham1ai1ec-697@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLibby Miller ; ldmflowers@yahoo.com
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.20150328T100000Home of Libby Miller0Women’s Rap1ai1ec-820@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.net
Believe it or not spring is coming, and that means it’s also time for our annual visit at Adult Ed by Dr. Deborah Varat for one of her fascinating art history talks. She is chair of the humanities department at Southern New Hampshire University and will, once again, speak to us about the role of Jews in art history. This year she will profile Jewish painters active in Paris in the 1920s – such as Chagall, Modigliani and Soutine.
Program starts at 10:00 . Come at 9:30 to meet Professor Varat and schmooze with bagels and coffee.20150329T09300020150329T114500Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Adult Ed – Jewish Painters in Parisai1ec-702@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCHJ; info@humanisticjews.org
Sunday School 9:30 – 10:30am
Children’s Model Seder 10:30-11:45am
Families with children of all ages are invited to attend the model Seder.
Consistent with the practice of Humanistic Judaism, the model Seder contains the stories and elements of a traditional Seder and also offers modern interpretations of the meaning of Passover. The Seder will be followed by a brunch of Passover foods. Please RESERVE your spot by emailing info@humanisticjews.org by March 20.20150329T09300020150329T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Model Sederai1ec-704@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZEllie Shafer; ershafer@sbcglobal.net
Each year our Congregation gathers for a wonderful, community Passover seder – and YES, spring is coming, and so is Passover. Here are the details:
The cost is $45/adult, $15/children 12 and younger.*
The dinner choices are: Atlantic salmon, chicken Francaise, and a vegetarian plate.
Your reservation is made when you send your check (made out to CHJ) to our seder accountant, Barbara Jay.See newsletter or member list for address.
Please include your meal choices.
We have a nice change to the menu from last year, which is JEWISH home-made matzoh balls – no more good-intentioned restaurant attempts. And larger portions of gefilte fish. Dessert will include CHJ Passover goodies as well as the sorbet provided by the Red Barn.
Afikomen-man will be back with prizes for all the kids.
It’s a lovely time for us all to get together, and read from our own CHJ Haggadah.
Our CHJ haggadah is available on our CHJ website – please print out your own, in color if you wish.
It is not too soon to send in your reservation – ready, set, go!
From your seder committee:
Ellie Shafer, Donna Souci, George Rockmore & Mryna Retsky
20150407T180000+41.16246;-73.374768Red Barn Restaurant @ 292 Wilton Road, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Passover Seder1ai1ec-845@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZTeri Klein; teriklein@optimum.net
PAPER CLIPS, a documentary, is sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Westport Weston.
Whitwell Middle School in rural Tennessee is the setting for this documentary about an extraordinary experiment in Holocaust education. Struggling to grasp the concept of six-million Holocaust victims, the students decide to collect six-million paper clips to better understand the extent of this crime against humanity. The film details how the students met Holocaust survivors from around the world and how the experience transformed them and their community.
20150412T190000+41.175771;-73.357907Unitarian Church @ 10 Lyons Plains Road, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Documentary “Paper Clips”1ai1ec-706@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBarbara Jay; barbarajay@jpus.org
This month’s book is The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin.
This group is open to all CHJ members. Come even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20150418T100000Home of Ilene Ginsberg0Book Group The Aviator’s Wife1ai1ec-707@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZGail Ostrow; fullgail@optonline.net
WHY WE REMEMBER THE HOLOCAUST
Days of Remembrance, April 12 – 19, 2015
“The important thing is that one should not become indifferent to the suffering of others, that one should not stand by and just raise one’s hands and say, “There’s nothing I can do, I’m just one person,” because I think what every one of us does matters.” ~Margit Meissner, Holocaust Survivor
Following a brief remembrance service, the short film “Why We Remember the Holocaust” will be shown. This film reinforces Margit Meissner’s message: “What you do matters.”
Stand up and speak out
Share the truth
Help prevent genocide today
Be an “upstander” and not a bystander
Students from Fairfield University will show their final memorial projects about choosing between being a bystander and an upstander.
We will also watch a play reading of “Children of the Holocaust” by Robert Mauro by 6th and 8th grade students from Black Rock Elementary School in Bridgeport.
CHJ member and Wilton resident Lou Reens survived the Holocaust as a hidden child in Holland and he will speak of his personal experiences. Joining him will be Westport resident Anita Schorr who will also speak about her experiences as a Holocaust survivor.
Local Westport poet Stephen Herz will read selected poems from his latest Holocaust book Marked, including the one he wrote for Anita Schorr, which became the title of his book.
The program is free and open to the public. It is suitable for middle-school children and especially those preparing for bar and bat mitzvah.20150418T193000+41.1351;-73.286934Southport Congregational Church @ 524 Pequot Avenue, Southport, CT 06890, USA0Yom Ha’shoah Commemoration1ai1ec-853@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMike Retsky; Michael.retsky@gmail.com
Come enjoy the camaraderie when CHJ men get together.20150419T093000Home of the Retskys0Men’s Rap1ai1ec-709@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRoberta Frank; rcfnpl@yahoo.com
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.20150425T100000Home of Roberta Frank0Women’s Rap1ai1ec-881@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSteve Ulman; ulmans@alumni.princeton.edu
The board meeting is open to all CHJ members. Please let Steve know if you are coming.20150430T193000Home of the Ulmans0Board Meeting1ai1ec-715@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@alumni.princeton.edu
Sunday School is planning a field trip to Ellis Island. We would like to invite the membership to attend with us.
Please send an email to Beth if you are interested in attending, how many of you there are (adults & children).
It would be an early start, as John (our tour coordinator!) recommends we get to Battery Park no later than 9:30. There is a lot of security to get through these days.
Fees for the ferry vary upon age. Children under four ride the ferry (and enter the island) at no cost. Kids from 4-12 are $9 and kids 13 pay full boat at $18 (no pun intended). Seniors (62 and older) receive a discounted entrance fee of $14. There is no fee to enter Liberty or Ellis Islands, just the cost of the ferry ride.
We are working out details of a tour of the museum.
A bus is not available.
20150503T070000+40.703277;-74.017028Ellis Island @ Battery Park, New York, NY, USA0Field Trip to Ellis IslandSee below for cost of ferry1ai1ec-564@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJanice Hamilton; mmmjham@optonline.net20150509T190000Home of Janice Hamilton0Wine Tasting and Cheese1ai1ec-717@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMona Unser; mona.unser@gmail.com
This month’s book is The Post Office Girl by Stefan Zweig.
This group is open to all CHJ members. Come even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20150516T100000Home of Mona Unser0Book Group The Post Office Girl1ai1ec-888@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDana Preis; danapreis@gmail.com
Come enjoy the camaraderie when CHJ men get together. Men’s Rap is open to CHJ members only. As usual, we’ll start at 9:30 with bagels and coffee.
Please let Dana know if you’re coming.20150517T093000Home of Dana Preis0Men’s Rap1ai1ec-719@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRachel Dreyfus; RACHEL_DREYFUS@yahoo.com
Shavuot (Feast of Weeks) commemorates the revelation of the Torah on Mt. Sinai to the Jewish people, and occurs 7 weeks after Passover. We are hosting a dinner and celebrating our congregation’s Torah (of which we are the guardians), rescued from the Holocaust by the Prague Jewish community which largely perished.
We will bring out the Torah and celebrate to the music of Adam Feder (back by popular demand from our Tu B’shvat Seder in February) and a feast created by Chef Taegun Moon (back by popular demand from our Fajitas in the Sukkah party in October)
The scrolls take a message of hope, continuity and resilience to every corner of the globe…
They can be found in Windsor Castle and the Holocaust Museum in Washington, Yad Vashem in Jerusalem and the US Naval Academy in Maryland, as well as in our own CHJ, Fairfield, CT and over a thousand synagogues around the world! How lucky are we to have this sacred responsibility for their care?
Let’s celebrate!
Please plan to “BYOB“…and,
Please RSVP to Rachel_Dreyfus@yahoo.com with the number attending the dinner — families, everyone is welcome!20150529T190000Home of the Moons0Shavuot Torah Celebration1ai1ec-718@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSylvia Schiffman; sylviaschiffman@gmail.com
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.20150530T100000Home of Sylvia Schiffman0Women’s Rap1ai1ec-891@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSteve Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net
All CHJ members are welcome to attend. Please let Steve know if you will be coming.20150603T19300020150603T210000Home of the Ulmans0Board Meetingai1ec-721@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@alumni.princeton.eduBat Mitzvah Service20150606T1100000Bat Mitzvah Service1ai1ec-735@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJoann Heimann; jkheimann@optonline.net
This month’s book is The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd.
This group is open to all CHJ members. Come even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20150613T100000Home of Joann Heimann0Book Group The Invention of Wings1ai1ec-897@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZTeri Klein; teriklein@optimum.net
SPONSORED BY THE INTERFAITH COUNCIL, THIS IS A CONCERT BY GRAMMY NOMINATED JAZZ COMPOSER & PIANIST, “DR JOE” UTTERBACK WITH A JAZZ COMBO OF PIANIST, SAXAPHONE, BASS AND DRUMS.
THE CONCERT WILL BE HELD IN THE EMMANUEL CHURCH PARISH HALL AND WILL BE FOLLOWED BY AN ICE-CREAM SOCIAL.
This is a FREE CONCERT & SOCIAL for the community.20150617T193000+41.222016;-73.347584Emmanuelle Episcopal Church @ 285 Lyons Plain Road, Weston, CT 06883, USA0Interfaith Council Jazz Concert-Joe Utterback1ai1ec-723@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRick Stewart; StewartL@optonline.net
Here’s the program:
2 P.M. Pool is Open! – Mingling, Munchies and Swimming (Lifeguard on duty all day for the kids.)
3 P.M. Meeting begins
4 P.M. Potluck Dinner
Please plan to bring a main dish for the potluck. CHJ will provide drinks and dessert. We are looking for folks to help set up and clean up so raise your hand if you can help out.
RSVP to StewartL@optonline.net with the number of people so we can get a headcount.20150620T140000Home of the Stewarts0Annual Meeting, Pool Party and Potluck Dinner1ai1ec-725@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSuzanne Friedman; suzannefriedman@sbcglobal.net
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.20150627T100000Home of Suzanne Friedman0Women’s Rap1ai1ec-893@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZGail Ostrow; fullgail@optonline.net
Sponsored by the Tent of Abraham and its Christian, Jewish, and Muslim congregations, please join us for a traditional Ramadan break-fast meal (Iftar),a panel discussion (topic TBD), small group discussions with your table mates, and experiencing the “call to prayer” and the evening prayers.
The meal will be Halal (no pork). Water and dates for breaking the fast will also be provided. No wine or alcohol is served or allowed in the park, but feel free to bring sodas or juices.
This event is suitable for all ages and a wonderful opportunity to learn about Islam as well as how the three Abrahamic faiths respond to different community issues (the panel discussion). Please feel free to invite family and friends to partake in this annual community tradition.
We have had a good turnout from CHJ in the past and I hope this continues.
This event is free of charge.
More information to follow and always know you can call or email Gail Ostrow with
questions.20150630T183000+41.186548;-73.195177McLevy Green @ Bridgeport, CT, USA0Annual Community Ramadan Break-fast-Time Change1ai1ec-896@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726Z
Sponsored by the Tent of Abraham and its Christian, Jewish, and Muslim congregations, please join us for a traditional Ramadan break-fast meal(Iftar),a panel discussion (topic TBD), small group discussions with your table mates, and experiencing the “call to prayer” and the evening prayers.
The meal will be Halal (no pork). Water and dates for breaking the fast will also be provided. No wine or alcohol is served or allowed in the park, but feel free to bring sodas or juices.
This event is suitable for all ages and a wonderful opportunity to learn about Islam as well as how the three Abrahamic faiths respond to different community issues (the panel discussion). Please feel free to invite family and friends to partake in this annual community tradition.
We have had a good turnout from CHJ in the past and I hope this continues.
This event is free of charge.
More information to follow and always know you can call or email Gail Ostrow with
questions.
20150701T180000McLevy Green Bridgeport CT USA0Rain Date for Annual Community Ramadan Break-fast1ai1ec-899@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRuth Windsor; randrbunker@charter.net
Come to enjoy the discussion of this most amusing and delightful novel.
20150711T100000Home of Ruth Windsor0Book Group The Rosie Project1ai1ec-906@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZROBERTA FRANK; rcfnpl@yahoo.com
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.20150725T100000+41.125323;-73.393846Home of Libby Miller0Women’s Rap-New Location1ai1ec-900@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZEllie Shafer; ershafer@sbcglobal.net
A beautiful Irish novel about loss and coming to terms with the repercussions of the choices we make.20150808T100000Home of Ellie Shafer0Book Group The Story of Lucy Gault1ai1ec-726@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; info@humanisticjews.org
Join members of the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism for a family-friendly evening at Compo Beach in Westport, 6:00 PM, Saturday, August 15. The evening begins with pleasant socializing and ends with a meaningful service as the sun sets. Havdalah is the concluding celebration of Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest. The traditional symbols of wine, braided candle, and spice box will be used in a brief humanistic ceremony.
This annual membership event is open to the public. Prospective members, current members and guests all mingle in the warm, communal atmosphere provided by good company and a beautiful outdoor setting. Families are welcome.
To attend, and for directions to Compo Beach and parking information, please RSVP to (203) 293-8867. Guests are asked to pack their own picnic dinner and supplies. The Congregation will provide drinks and dessert. CHJ members do not need to RSVP.20150815T180000+41.141472;-73.357905Compo Beach @ Westport, CT, USA0Havdalah at the Beach1ai1ec-728@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@alumni.princeton.edu20150822T180000Compo Beach @ Westport, CT, USA0Havdalah – Rain Date1ai1ec-1003@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZGeorge Rockmore; geodona122@att.net
Noshing and kibbutzing at 9:30am. Rapping at 10am.
Even if you have never attended you are welcome.
Please RSVP George.20150823T093000Home of the Rockmores0Men’s Rap1ai1ec-907@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZROBERTA FRANK; rcfnpl@yahoo.com
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.20150829T100000TBD0Women’s Rap1ai1ec-1004@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSheryl Baumann; 203 293 8867; info@humanisticjews.org
For the 2015 – 16 year, the Adult Ed committee will be presenting a series of programs on the topic of Israel.
For our first program, on August 30, we will screen a documentary about early 20th century Palestine. The screening will be followed by a conversation led by Alex Mack, in which attendees will discuss their cultural, religious, and secular backgrounds, and how these backgrounds may have influenced their current views on Israel.20150830T09300020150830T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Adult Ed – Documentary on Palestineai1ec-933@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; sundayschool@humanisticjews.org
Open house (August 30) will be a very busy event for the Teen Tzedakah Group. We will be having our annual Mercy Learning Backpack Drive. This is a great time of year to purchase supplies and it is a wonderful way to get your child involved in Tzedakah. Please bring school supplies so we can help support Mercy Learning students and families. (Our goal is to fill 24 backpacks.) Always needed supplies are: one subject notebooks, pens, pencils and glue sticks.
The Teen Tzedakah Group will also be running Fun Soccer Activities (with the help of Craig Tomarkin) after Sunday School (August 30) at the Wakeman A field. There will be a bake sale next to the field to support a charity. This event is opened to everyone – so bring your kids or grandkids!20150830T09300020150830T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Open House/First Day of Sunday Schoolai1ec-909@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMarilyn Brownstein; msbrownstein18@yahoo.com
This month’s book is The Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstein.
This group is open to all CHJ members. Come even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20150912T100000Home of Marilyn Brownstein0Book Group – The Invisible Wall1ai1ec-935@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLesley Apt; lesley.apt@gmail.com
(Doors open at 7 PM)
Featuring Jeff Greenberg, flute; Igor Pasternak, piano; and Anna Slate, vocals.
20150913T193000+41.175771;-73.357907Unitarian Church @ 10 Lyons Plains Road, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Rosh Hashanah Eve1ai1ec-936@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLesley Apt; lesley.apt@gmail.com
1:00 – 1:45 PM Rosh Hashanah Family Service *
Featuring shofar presentation by David Shafer and Hannah Ulman.
2:00 – 4:00 PM Food in the History of the Jews A presentation and discussion with award-winning journalist, author and lecturer Andree Brooks
4:15-5::00PM Tashlich: Resolving to part with our bad ways at the bank of the stream Led by Alan Katz. (gather at the far right corner of the parking lot)
* Childcare and supervised activities will be provided after the Family Services. Casual dress is suggested for daytime programs. Family Services are appropriate for families with children aged 4 to 14. Each Family Service includes readings and music and lasts approximately 30-45 minutes.20150914T130000+41.175771;-73.357907Unitarian Church @ 10 Lyons Plains Road, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Rosh Hashanah Family Service1ai1ec-1154@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMike Retsky; michael.retsky@gmail.com
A presentation by Mike Retsky on the life and teachings of Carl Sagan. Carl Sagan has been selected by the Society for Humanistic Judaism as its 2015 – 2016 SHJ Humanistic Jewish Role Model. Bagels and coffee will be served at 9:30 a.m.; programming begins at 10:00.20150920T09300020150920T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Adult Ed-Carl Saganai1ec-937@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRachel Albanese; rbe818W@yahoo.com
Pizza and ice cream social after Sunday School begins at 12:00pm – FREE!20150920T093000+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Family Social1ai1ec-938@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCHJ; 203 293 8867
Doors open at 7:00pm.
Featuring Kenneth Kuo, cello; Jeff Greenberg, flute; Igor Pasternak, piano; and Anna Slate, vocals.20150922T193000+41.175771;-73.357907Unitarian Church @ 10 Lyons Plains Road, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Yom Kippur Eve/Kol Nidre1ai1ec-940@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCHJ; 203 293 8867
1:00-1:45pm Yom Kippur Family Service * Featuring Marcia Kosstrin, storyteller; and Hannah Ulman, shofar.
2:00-3:00pm How We Celebrate: Our Humanistic Approach to Jewish Holidays and Celebrations A mulitimedia presentation for prospective, new, and current members, led by CHJ members.
3:15-4:15pm Meditation Led by Gail Ostrow. (bring pillows or mats if you use them)
4:30pm Memorial and Closing Services
5:30pm (approximately) Break-fast
* Childcare and supervised activities will be provided after the Family Services. Casual dress is suggested for daytime programs. Family Services are appropriate for families with children aged 4 to 14. Each Family Service includes readings and music and lasts approximately 30-45 minutes.20150923T130000+41.175771;-73.357907Unitarian Church @ 10 Lyons Plains Road, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Yom Kippur Day Programs1ai1ec-916@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZROBERTA FRANK; rcfnpl@yahoo.com
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.20150926T100000TBD0Women’s Rap -**CANCELLED********1ai1ec-1107@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMitch Tilkin; mitchtilk@yahoo.com
Come enjoy the camaraderie when CHJ men get together.20150927T093000Home of Mitch Tilkin0Men’s Rap- Venue Change1ai1ec-942@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCHJ; 203 293 886720150927T093000Kent,CT0Sunday School Sukkot Celebration1ai1ec-1170@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSteve Ulman; ulmans@alumni.princeton.edu
All CHJ members are welcome to attend our board meetings. Please RSVP Steve Ulman if you plan on attending.20150928T19300020150928T210000Home of the Ulmans0Board Meetingai1ec-945@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCHJ; 203 293 8867
Adult Ed Oct 4 we watched a moving documentary film about Rosalind Franklin, who was basically cheated out of sharing the Nobel Prize with Watson and Frick for discovering the double-helix shape of DNA. This intensely dedicated scientist produced the key X-ray diffraction photograph (known as photo 51) in her lab that resulted in Watson and Frick proposing the double helix pattern. She was born into a prominent Jewish family in England and was a natural scientist. She died of cancer at the age of 37. The shameful way she was denied credit for her seminal work on DNA is the subject of a play that just opened in London, starring Nicole Kidman.20151004T09300020151004T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Edai1ec-1115@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZEvan Levinson; eblevinson@yahoo.com
Welcome party for new members. All members are invited to meet our new members at a dinner party. Bring a bottle or dessert to share20151016T190000Home of the Levinsons0Welcome Party1ai1ec-911@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSuzanne Friedman; suzannefriedman@sbcglobal.net
This month’s book is Nora Webster by Colm Toibinl, a novel set in Ireland about a young widow and mother of four navigating grief and fear. When she begins to sing again, after decades, she finds solace and hope.
This group is open to all CHJ members. Come even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20151017T100000TBD0Book Group – Nora Webster1ai1ec-947@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCHJ; 203 293 8867
Each year CHJers of all ages gather at Sherwood Island for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fundraising walk. It’s community-building and fun — and supports an important cause. Coffee, hot chocolate, bagels and donuts nourish and keep us warm. By participating, we honor and remember Lucy Katz and Jane Horkel, two beloved members we’ve lost to breast cancer. The Walk is easy (and optional) so please come and bring your friends. If you can’t attend, you can still contribute to the cause on our team page. The URL is main.acsevents.org/goto/CHJ. If you’ve got one, wear your Tshirt. Let’s show that I Love Lucy team who’s the boss!20151018T090000+41.141472;-73.357905Sherwood Island @ Westport, CT, USA0Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk1ai1ec-1240@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAll CHJers are welcome to attend an informational meeting at Wilton Friends this Sunday at noon. Someone from IRIS ~ Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services www.irisct.org/ will present how to go about sponsoring a refugee family when they come to the U.S. This meeting is strictly to gather information, and CHJ will make no commitment until there is a congregational consensus on whether and/or how to go forward.
IRIS’ mission is: Helping refugees and other displaced people establish new lives, regain hope, and contribute to the vitality of Connecticut’s communities.
Join Diane Keefe, John Levin, Gail Ostrow and Ilene Ginsberg, who will be attending.20151018T120000+41.236328;-73.506152Wilton Quaker Meeting House @ 106 Roads End Rd, South Salem, NY 10590, USA0CHJ invited to IRIS presentation at Wilton Friends1ai1ec-950@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.net
Immanuel Velikovsky – disrupter of many worlds
Velikovsky (1895 –1979) was a fascinating iconoclast who single handedly shook up the worlds of geology, ancient history, Egyptology, biblicalchronology, and most of all astronomy. Trained as a psychiatrist by one of Freud’s first pupils, he was a friend of Einstein and often discussed his theories with him. Velikovsky catapulted to world fame with his 1952 best seller “Worlds in Collision”, which freaked out professional astronomers everywhere.He was dismissed as a complete crackpot and his theories were usually misrepresented in the press. Prominent astronomers tried to suppress the publication of Velikovsky’s book. Velikovsky, an atheist, used biblical texts and world mythology to construct an extremely radical new history of the solar system and Earth. With the start of the space age he used his theories to make many predictions about what space probes to the planets and men on the moon would find. Over the years almost all of these many predictions have turned out to be true, and they explain a host of surprises that have completely baffled professional astronomers to this day. But his name is anathema and he has been denied the credit some think he is due. Leading the attack against Velikovsky, in what may be considered a personal vendetta, was SHJ’s Humanist Role Model of the Year – Carl Sagan.
Please note that this subject matter is considered to be controversial. Not everyone will agree with the presenter’s viewpoint, but we hope to educate our audience about Velikovsky and let the individual decide for him or herself.
Dave Shafer will give a slide show about Velikovsky’s amazing achievements.20151025T09300020151025T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Edai1ec-1246@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSteve Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net
All CHJ members are welcome to attend. Please RSVP Steve.20151026T193000Home of the Ulmans0Board Meeting1ai1ec-920@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSuzanne Friedman; suzannefriedman@sbcglobal.net
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.20151031T100000Home of Suzanne Friedman0Women’s Rap1ai1ec-953@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSheryl Baumann; msbaum@aol.com
Shimon Shmooely works out of the Israeli consulate in NYC, and his title is, “Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations
Chief of Staff under Ambassadors Ron Prosor and Danny Danon“
Shimon will present to the congregation the background/history of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, from the Israeli government’s perspective. He will also discuss current events in the region, as they have escalated over the past month.
StandWithUs is dedicated to informing the public about Israel and to combating the extremism and anti-Semitism that often distorts the issues.
This program is open to CHJ Members only.
20151101T09300020151101T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed- Shimon Shmooelyai1ec-1210@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMike Retsky; michael.retsky@gmail.com
Noshing and kibbutzing at 9:30am. Rapping at 10am.
Even if you have never attended you are welcome.
Please RSVP Mike.
20151108T213000Home of Mike Retsky0Men’s Rap1ai1ec-929@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZIlene Ginsberg; isgins@optonline.net
This month’s book is Lucky Us by Amy Bloom
Two halfsisters find their way through the 1930’s and 1940’s with minimal parent involvement. Funny, sad and irreverent.
Come even though you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.
This group is open to all CHJ members.20151114T100000Home of Ilene Ginsberg0Book Group – Lucky Us1ai1ec-1048@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSteve Ulman; ulmans@princeton.education.edu
Coffee and bagels from 9:30 to 10.
All members can participate at the Board Meeting.20151115T09300020151115T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Board Meetingai1ec-1051@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRelly Coleman; coleman@att.net
Modreck Maeresera, leader of the Lemba Harare Synagogue, will be speaking at Congregation Beth El in Fairfield to share the fascinating story of the Zimbabawe Lemba.
CHJ is one of the five congregations sponsoring the event.The Lemba is a small tribe in southern Africa of Jewish origin. This is a rare opportunity to hear the fascinating story of the tribe, who kept Jewish traditions for thousands of years, and their current reconnection with worldwide Judaism.
After generations of practicing Judaism in secrecy, the Lemba are now reconnecting with the Jewish world. Get an insider’s view of the history and practices of the Lemba — their story of perseverance and commitment to Judaism over millennia, as well as the community’s recent “Jewish Renaissance”.
Some of you may know of Relly Coleman’s Books-for-Zim project, which supports schools in the Lemba village of Mapakomhere. Modreck Maeresera has been very helpful whenever help was needed at the Zimbabwe end.
20151118T193000+41.187762;-73.251273Congregation Beth El @ 1200 Fairfield Woods Road, Fairfield, CT 06825, USA0Modreck Maeresera to Speak1ai1ec-1117@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net
The Gatekeepers is a 2012 documentary film by director Dror Moreh that tells the story of the Israeli internal security service, Shin Bet (known in Hebrew as ‘Shabak’), from the perspective of six of its former heads.
The film combines in-depth interviews, archival footage, and computer animation to recount the role that the group played in Israel’s security from the Six-Day War to the present.[3] The film was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 85th Academy Awards.[4]
$5 each for pizza and a salad
20151120T190000Home of the Ulmans0Movie and Pizza – Gatekeepers$5.00 for pizza and salad1ai1ec-922@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZTeri Klein; teriklein@optimum.net
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.20151121T100000Home of Teri Klein0Women’s Rap1ai1ec-955@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSheryl Baumann; adulted@humanisticjews.org
Adult Ed will be screening the documentary film, “Ahead of Time: The Extraordinary Journey of Ruth Gruber”20151122T09300020151122T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed-Documentary of Ruth Gruberai1ec-1293@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZTeri Klein; teriklein@optimum.net
Come Celebrate, Give Thanks and Give Back! Saugatuck Congregational Church, UCC is excited to host this year’s Westport-Weston Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service. This annual event is sponsored by the Clergy Council of Westport and Weston.
The service will be led by Rabbi Michael Friedman of Temple Israel. Diverse participants from churches, synagogues, and other communities of faith in Westport and Weston will come together and celebrate in prayer and song.
This year’s highlight will be a piece of music composed for Thanksgiving by
Ed Thompson, Minister of Music at The Unitarian Church in Westport. He will also be directing the interfaith choir.
Anyone interested in singing in the choir should contact Heather Hamilton at 203.227.1261 or heather@saugatuckchurch.org. There will be one rehearsal on November 24 at 6:00pm. All are welcome to come and sing!
You are also invited to bring coats to contribute to our coat drive. The Clergy Council in cooperation with Bridgeport Rescue Mission is collecting new or gently used clean coats for all ages.
A reception hosted by the Interfaith Council of Westport and Weston will follow the worship service. The program is free and open to the public.
20151124T190000+41.141381;-73.35654Saugatuck Congregational Church @ 245 Post Rd E, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Interfaith Thanksgiving Service1ai1ec-1244@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRhone Robbin; rhonarobbin@yahoo.com20151205T190000Home of Ilene Ginsberg0Chanukah Party1ai1ec-1356@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZZoe Bale; zoebale@optonline.net
The Teen Tzedakah Club is arranging a Book Drive for all ages during Sunday School and Adult Ed.
Bring TWO BOOKS AND YOU CAN CHOOSE ONE TO BRING HOME! We will accept as many books as you would like to donate. (in good condition) The collected books will go to after-school programs in Bridgeport and prisons in the area.20151206T09300020151206T114500Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Book Drive – Teen Tzedaka Clubai1ec-956@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSheryl Baumann; adulted@humanisticjews.org Presenter David Chapman, senior program officer of the New Israel Fund
The New Israel Fund is a proponent of equality of social and political rights to all the inhabitants of Israel.
This program is open to CHJ Members only.20151206T09300020151206T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed- David Chapmanai1ec-1359@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZTeri Klein; teriklein@optimum.net
Congregations in Westport and Weston are coming together to resettle a refugee family. At this meeting, a representative of IRIS, a refugee resettlement organization based in New Haven, will provide a brief overview of the larger refuge crisis and the US response, as well as outlining the responsibilities and process of groups who wish to resettle refugees. For more information, contact John MeGeehan, a member of the UMC, at: jmcgeehan1956@gmail.com or Teri Klein or George Rockmore from CHJ. (49 Weston Rd is right off of exit 42 heading toward the UU Church ) This is an opportunity to find out from the source what would be involved in CHJ members participating in this group effort.
20151209T193000+41.168356;-73.362162United Methodist Church @ 49 Weston Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Refugee Resettlement Meeting1ai1ec-1335@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZTeri Klein; teriklein@optimum.netTown Hall Forum Discussion led by Chris George CEO IRIS. Description of
shared responsibilities of co-sponsorship of a refugee family, training,
suggested organization and likely timeline from start to finish of hosting a family.20151209T193000+41.168356;-73.362162Methodist Church @ 49 Weston Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Westport Town Hall Forum-Interfaith Council Event1ai1ec-957@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCHJ; 203 293 886720151213T09300020151213T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Hannukah Partyai1ec-924@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZROBERTA FRANK; rcfnpl@yahoo.com
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.
And, of course, there’s always food.20151213T100000Home of Roberta Frank0Women’s Rap1ai1ec-1255@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZEllie Shafer; ershafer@sbcglobal.net
Although part of the Palliser series of books, this is really a stand-alone novel. It concerns Lizzie Eustace, a woman who marries for money and who fights to retain a diamond necklace thought to belong to her husband’s family. She’s certainly not a role model of morality, but she’s fun to read about. This book is full of interesting characters and clever observations about money & marriage in Victorian England.
Open to all CHJ members, come even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.
A potluck luncheon follows the discussion. Contact Ellie with the name of the dish you will bring.20151219T100000Home of Ellie Shafer0Book Group -The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope1ai1ec-1302@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSaul Haffner; saulhaffner@hotmail.com
Bagels and coffee at 9:30, rap begins at 10:00. All men CHJ members are welcome.20151220T213000+41.144679;-73.345083Home of Saul Haffner @ 8 Webb Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Men’s Rap1ai1ec-926@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZTeri Klein; teriklein@optimum.netWomen’s Rap
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.20160103T100000Home of Teri Klein0Women’s Rap1ai1ec-1389@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726Z20160108T110000Unitarian Universalist Congregation @ 20 Forest St, Stamford, CT 06901, USA0Jeanne Franklin Memorial Service1ai1ec-962@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRachel Albanese; rbe818@yahoo.com
What: CHJ Jewish Xmas Celebration (Chinese food and a movie!)
Where: Hunan Cafe, 228 Town Green, Wilton CT (off of Old Ridgefield Road, approximately 15 minutes from Bedford School); Bow Tie Wilton Cinemas 4 (two minutes from the restaurant)
Join us for a delicious Chinese lunch sponsored by CHJ, followed by a movie! Even though it’s a couple of weeks after the holiday, it’s never too late to enjoy a traditional Jewish Christmas celebration!20160109T140000+41.195374;-73.437899Hunan Cafe @ Wilton, CT, USA0Jewish Christmas CelebrationLunch sponsored by CHJ1ai1ec-960@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSteve Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net
CHJ President Steve Ulman and Sunday School Director/Membership Chairperson Beth Ulman will be leading a conversation on their family’s recent trip to Israel. We’ll learn if their preconceived notions about the Middle East region were changed by their own personal experiences of day-to-day life in Israel, and if so, in what ways.20160110T21300020160110T234500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed-Ulman’s Trip to Israelai1ec-1247@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMarilyn Brownstein; msbrownstein18@yahoo.com
Lily’s new novel Euphoria is the story of three young, gifted anthropologists in 1933 caught in a passionate love triangle that threatens theirs bonds, their careers, and ultimately their lives.
All CHJ members are welcome. Come even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20160116T100000Home of Marilyn Brownstein0Book Group – Euphoria by Lily King1ai1ec-1398@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCary Shaw; caryshaw@optonline.net
WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY FOR HUMANISTIC JUDAISM presents a special program by Bennett Muraskin Jewish Heretics from Elisha Ben Abuyah to Sherwin Wine.
Find out about the Jews who challenged the authority of the rabbis and the sanctity of scriptures while insisting on their right to remain Jewish. Sneak preview: Theodore Herzl, Sigmund Freud and Albert Einstein fit this description.
Light refreshments will be served.
For more information, please call (914)218-8535 or email info@wchj.org.20160116T143000+41.002065;-73.73216Community Unitarian Church @ 468 Rosedale Ave, White Plains, NY 10605, USA0Jewish Heretics1ai1ec-1380@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.net
Come schmooze with bagels at 9:30. The meeting starts at 10:00am. This Rap is for male members only.
20160117T093000Home of Dave Shafer0Men’s Rap1ai1ec-1296@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZTeri Klein; teriklein@optimum.net
MLK Commemoration sponsored with TEAM Westport and the Westport Country Playhouse will have a different focus this year.
The theme will relate Dr. King’s ideas to current racial issues. Two
keynote speakers are Sheralyn Ifill, Legal Defense for NAACP and Marilyn Ford , Law Professor at Quinnipiac College who was born in St Louis and has been to Ferguson.
Music will be provided by The Serendipity Choral and a group from Staples High School The Regional Center for the Arts.
Following the talk and entertainment there will be a brief intermission. Then there will be an opportunity for people who are interested to stay for a followup discussion re going forward led by TEAM Westport. and the speakers. Childcare will be provided -plan for children to create art project which will be displayed20160117T150000+41.141603;-73.354769Westport Country Playhouse @ 25 Powers Ct, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Martin Luther King Commemoration1ai1ec-1415@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSteve Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net
This month’s board meeting is at the home of the Ulmans. All CHJ members are welcome. Contact Steve Ulman if you wish to include anything on the agenda.20160127T19300020160127T210000Home of the Ulmans0Board Meetingai1ec-966@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSheryl Baumann; adulted@humanisticjews.org
Jeremy Pressman, an associate professor of political science and director of Middle East Studies at UCONN, will be presenting his program, “Contesting Israeli-Palestinian History on the World Stage”. Every fall, one Israeli and one Palestinian leader speaks at the UN General Assembly’s ‘General Debate’. What historical story does each side tell? How consistent are the histories they have told over the last 15 years? In a close study of the speeches, we find many of the same themes of war and peace recur regardless of the particular speaker and the timing. This presentation is one of the topics available through the UCONN Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Life’s, “Judaic Studies Road Show” programs.20160131T09300020160131T110000+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed-Israeli-Palestinian Historyai1ec-1419@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726Zhttp://tiwestport.org/atasteoftorah
From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Take part in Fairfield County’s annual community-wide afternoon of adult Jewish learning. Select from a variety of courses led by rabbis, cantors and educators from various synagogues. A Taste of Torah is free and open to the community.20160131T160000+41.176904;-73.355159Temple Israel @ 14 Coleytown Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Taste of Torah1ai1ec-1123@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMarcia Kosstrin; tales4living@aol.com
This is a family-friendly event!!!There will be a service, potluck dinner with great food, and music with our exuberant and talented song leader Adam Feder.We’ll be sending reminders and a sign-up for the pot luck dinner as we get closer to the date.
This is one of our most popular CHJ events and hope you will join us.
20160206T180000+41.1351;-73.286934Southport Congregational Church @ 524 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT 06890, USA0Tu B’Shvat Seder1ai1ec-967@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSheryl Baumann; msbaum@aol.comThe topic “Jews and the Presidential Election” will be lead by Alan Smith and Alan Katz.20160207T09300020160207T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed-Jews and the Presidential Electionai1ec-1251@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJoanne Heimann; jkheimann@optonline.net
The novel is made up of two parallel narratives, chapters recounting Connie and Douglas’s courtship and eventual marriage alternating with chapters relating the family’s paint-by-numbers progress through Europe.
All CHJ members are welcome.Come even if you haven’t read the book. There’ s always a lively discussion.20160213T100000Home of Joann Heimann0Book Group -Us by David Nicholls1ai1ec-1377@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJohn Levin; jlevin@tfm-llc.com
Meir Kryger, MD, is a professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine who has been treating patients with sleep disorders for over 30 years. He is chief editor of the most widely used textbook used in sleep medicine, The Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine, soon to be in its sixth edition, and authored A Woman’s Guide to Sleep Disorders. He has published more than 200 peer reviewed articles and book chapters.
DARWIN DAY is an international celebration of science and humanity held around Charles Darwin’s February 12th birthday, celebrating the discoveries and life of the man, and expressing gratitude for the enormous benefits that scientific knowledge, acquired through human curiosity and ingenuity, has contributed to the advancement of humanity.
Time: 6 pm Cocktail Hour,
7 pm Full Course Dinner
darwindayct.org will have the information on how to register.
Pricing:
By check $66 per person, discounted to $62 if received by Feb 6. Or online using PayPal $68.28, discounted $64.16
For reservations mail the following information with check. Or reserve online at darwindayCT.org .
Name Phone
Address E-mail address
City, State, ZipCode Number of people you are paying for
Names of your guests & menu selections:
Prime Rib of Beef(B) Chicken Normandy with Apple and Raisin Brandy( C) Grilled Norwegian Salmon (S) Eggplant Rollatini(E)
Amount: _________ Additional contribution to sponsor a high school student: ___________. Total:___________Thank you !
See
darwindayct.org
Sponsored by the Norwalk Public Schools Science Department, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, the Bartlett Arboretum, Earthplace, the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism, The Wilton Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), the Unitarian Church in Westport, Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (HFFC), and the CT Audubon Society.
20160213T180000+41.116692;-73.406718Norwalk Inn and Conference Center @ 99 East Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851, USA0Darwin Day DinnerSee below.1ai1ec-1411@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZGeorge Unser; george.unser@gmail.com
Come schmooze with bagels at 9:30. The meeting starts at 10:00am. This Rap is for male members only”20160214T093000Home of George Unser0Men’s Rap1ai1ec-973@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSuzanne Friedman; suzannefriedman@sbcglobal.net
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.
20160214T100000Home of Suzanne Friedman0Women’s Rap1ai1ec-970@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSusan Boyar; skboyar@optonline.net
Susan Boyar will lead a discussion of a short story by Israeli author Zygmunt Frankel, “The Canonization of Shlomo Solomon”. There will be very limited copies of the story available to attendees. Please download the link to your device and bring with you.
http://inch.com/~ari/zf107.html20160221T09300020160221T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed-Susan Boyar Book Discussionai1ec-1050@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSteve Ulman; ulmans@princeton.education.edu
Coffee and bagels at 9:30. Board Meeting at 10.
All members are welcome.20160228T09300020160228T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Board Meetingai1ec-1126@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net20160304T190000Various members homes0Shabbat across CHJ-CANCELLED1ai1ec-961@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSheryl Baumann; adulated@humanisticjews.org
A representative from J Street will be leading our program. J Street is the political home for pro- Israel, pro- peace Americans who want Israel to be secure, democratic and the national home of the Jewish people. Working in American politics and the Jewish community, we advocate policies that advance shared US and Israeli interests as well as Jewish and democratic values, leading to a two- state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict . This program will focus on what J Street believes and what they do.20160306T09300020160306T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Adult Ed – J Street Speakerai1ec-986@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net20160306T09300020160306T114500Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Makeup Day if Needed -Sunday Schoolai1ec-1252@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMyrna Retsky; myrna.retsky@gmail.com
With Driftless, Rhodes returns to the midwestern landscape he knows so well, offering a fascinating and entirely unsentimental portrait of a town apparently left behind by the march of time.
All CHJ members are welcome. Come even though you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20160312T100000Home of Myrna Retsky0Book Group – Driftless by David Rhodes1ai1ec-987@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSheryl Baumann; adulted@humanisticjews.org
Led by Alan Katz20160313T09300020160313T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed-Israel Series Wrap-Upai1ec-1128@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLisa Finn; lkbfinn25@gmail.com
‘Likes,’ ‘Unlikes,’ Instagram, regram, ‘tweets,’ ‘retweets:’ what does it all mean? And what does it have to do with feminism?!
Come get the scoop on feminist social media in celebration of Women’s History Month with Gail Ostrow (professor and lifelong feminist) and Emma and Kaila Finn (CHJ members, self-proclaimed social media experts, and co-presidents of Staples HS’s Women’s Advocacy Club). We will be leading an interactive workshop on how social media has influenced feminism in the 21st century. From learning about Facebook‘s virtual community of feminists to how Instagram redefines gender roles, we will explore the feminist movement’s beating heart: social media.
RSVP: By March 5th to Lisa Finn at Lkbfinn25@gmail.com
When you RSVP, please indicate what dish you plan on bringing…
Main Dish – last names A – F
Side Dish – last names G – L
Salad – last names M – R
Dessert – last names S- Z
#20160319T180000+41.135046;-73.286958Southport Congregational Church @ 524 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT 06890, USA0Feminism and Social Media1ai1ec-988@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net
Party is from 10:30am to 12:30pm.20160320T09300020160320T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Purim Partyai1ec-974@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLibby Miller; ldmflowers5330@gmail.cm
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.
20160327T100000Home of Libby Miller0Women’s Rap1ai1ec-1457@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSteve Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net
Please let Steve know if you’ll be attending this Board Meeting. It is open to all CHJ members.20160330T19300020160330T213000Home of the Ulmans0Board Meetingai1ec-1454@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCary Shaw; caryshaw@optonline.net
The Connecticut Coalition of Reason (CT CoR) is organizing its second conference for atheists, freethinkers, humanists, agnostics, and anyone interested in non-religious communities. This year we will be focusing on the three themes of: Community Building, Political Action, and Interfaith Relations. The conference will feature talks and breakout-sessions by leaders in the secular community:
· Hemant Mehta, a.k.a the Friendly Atheist is an author, blogger, and atheist activist. Hemant will be our keynote speaker and the title of his talk is, “What Atheists Can Learn from Churches… Seriously”
· Amanda Knief is the National Legal and Public Policy Director for the American Atheists and our Political Action speaker. The title of her talk is, “Election 2016: When Atheist Voters and Religious Exemptions Collide”
· Jason Heap is the Executive Director of the United Coalition of Reason and our Community Building speaker. The title of his talk is “Breaking Silos”
· Wendy Thomas Russell is a journalist, author, editor and our Interfaith Relations speaker. The title of her talk is, “Atheism & Interfaith: Building Bridges with Honesty, Integrity and Compassion “
Registration 8:30 am. Conference 9:30 am to 5:00.
More info can be found at facebook.com/SecularAssembly and at conference.ctcor.org where you can obtain your ticket(s).20160402T08300020160402T170000Mark Twain House @ Hartford, CT, USA0C.A.R.E. Conference$35 includes lunchai1ec-1265@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRhona Robbin; rhonarobbin@yahoo.comDescription: Bennett Muraskin, noted author, columnist, and Hirshhorn scholar conducts crowd-pleasing program on:
· You Know More Yiddish Than You Think—an interactive program that reveals the hundreds of Yiddish words and expressions that have entered our English vocabulary. Come a Yiddish novice, leave a Yiddish maven with a list you can share with friends and mishpokhe (family).
Includes coffee and dessert.
20160402T193000Home of Barbara Jay and Saul Haffner0Speaker Night – You know more Yiddish than You Think1ai1ec-990@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCHJ; 203 293 8867
We will be screening the movie, “Tevye”. It is a Yiddish movie with subtitles, and stars Maurice Schwartz, the king of Yiddish theater.20160403T09300020160403T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Adult Ed – Movie “Tevye”ai1ec-991@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net
Sunday School begins at 9:30am.
Model Seder 10:30am – 11:45am20160403T09300020160403T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Model Sederai1ec-1407@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZIlene Ginsberg; isgins@optonline.net
Newfoundland, 1919. Two aviators—Jack Alcock and Arthur Brown—set course for Ireland as they attempt the first nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean, placing their trust in a modified bomber to heal the wounds of the Great War.
All CHJ members are welcome. Come even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20160409T100000Home of Ilene Ginsberg0Book Group – Transatlantic1ai1ec-1452@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMitch Tilkin; mitchtilk@yahoo.comBagels at 9:30. Meeting starts at 10. Open to all men CHJ members. Make new friends, meet old ones.20160410T093000Home of Mitch Tilkin0Men’s Rap1ai1ec-975@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMyrna Retsky; retsky.myrna@gmail.com
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.
20160424T100000Home of Myrna Retsky0Women’s Rap1ai1ec-1423@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZEllie Shafer; ershafer@sbcglobal.net Join us for a Passover seder. Details to follow.20160424T180000Scandinavian Club @ 1351 S Pine Creek Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824, USA0Passover Seder1ai1ec-993@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net20160501T100000TBD0Sunday School/Graduation1ai1ec-1467@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726Zulmans@optonline.netAll CHJ members are encouraged to attend our board meetings. Please call Steve if you want to attend.20160503T19300020160503T210000Home of Stephen Ulman0Board Meetingai1ec-1402@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJohn Levin; jdlevin@optonline.net
Introduction to, and misconceptions about, Islam.Presented by Dr. Ahmed Ebrahim, Fairfield University Associate Professor of Accounting, and member of the interfaith organization, Greater Bridgeport Tent of Abraham.
Desserts and beverages will be served.20160506T193000Home of the Levins0Introduction to Islam1ai1ec-1409@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZElsa Cantor; elsacantor@yahoo.com
In 1987, Miri Ammerman returns to her hometown of Elizabeth, New Jersey, to attend a commemoration of the worst year of her life. Thirty-five years earlier, when Miri was fifteen, and in love for the first time, a succession of airplanes fell from the sky, leaving a community reeling. Against this backdrop of actual events that Blume experienced in the early 1950s, when airline travel was new and exciting and everyone dreamed of going somewhere, she paints a vivid portrait of a particular time and place.
All CHJ members are welcome. Come even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20160514T100000Home of Elsa Cantor0Book Group – “In the Unlikely Event”1ai1ec-1465@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSaul Haffner ; saulhaffner@Hotmail.comCome schmooze with bagels at 9:30am. The meeting starts at 10:00am. This Rap is for male members only.20160515T093000Home of Saul Haffner0Men’s Rap1ai1ec-997@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJill Scholson; riverstone8@yahoo.com
The Jewish Museum is an art museum and repository of cultural artifacts, housed at 1109 Fifth Avenue, in the former Felix M. Warburg House, along the Museum Mile in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York.
The 2 different tours will start at 11:00 so everyone should arrive by 10:45. You can reach Dan Greenbaum with any questions.20160515T104500+40.78546;-73.957132Jewish Museum @ 1109 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA0Field Trip to Jewish Museum1ai1ec-1475@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSteve Ulman; ulmans@optonline.netAll CHJ members are welcome. Please RSVP Steve Ulman.20160523T19300020160523T213000Home of the Ulmans0Board Meetingai1ec-976@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLibby Miller; Ldmflowers5330@gmail.com
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.
20160529T100000Home of Libby Miller0Women’s Rap1ai1ec-1134@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSheryl Bauman ; adulted@ humanisticjews.Org
This will be held prior to the Shavuot dinner party.
20160611T180000Home of Dreyfus Moons0Annual Meeting1ai1ec-1133@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRachel Dreyfus; Rachel_Dreyfus@yahoo.com
Shavuot and Torah celebration and dinner party with Adam Feder’s band; bring a bottle or dessert to share20160611T190000Dreyfus-Moon Home0Shavuot and Torah Celebration1ai1ec-1476@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZGeorge Rockmore; geodona122@att.netCome schmooze with bagels at 9:30. The meeting starts at 10 am.This Rap is for male members only.20160612T093000Home of George Rockmore0Men’s Rap1ai1ec-1424@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZScott Bale; sizable@optonline.netAll CHJ members are invited. Please RSVP Scott Bale by June 1 if you would like to stay for the reception.
20160618T173000+41.126101;-73.545515Stamford Nature Center @ 39 Scofieldtown Rd, Stamford, CT 06903, USA0Julia Bale Bat Mitzvah1ai1ec-1254@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLibby Miller; ldmflowers5330@gmail.com
A modern masterpiece from one of Italy’s most acclaimed authors, My Brilliant Friend is a rich, intense, and generous-hearted story about two friends, Elena and Lila. Ferrante’s inimitable style lends itself perfectly to a meticulous portrait of these two women that is also the story of a nation and a touching meditation on the nature of friendship.
Open to all CHJ members, come even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20160625T103000Home of Libby Miller0Book Group- My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante1ai1ec-977@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRoberta Frank; rcfnpl@yahoo.com
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.
20160626T100000Home of Roberta lFrank0Women’s Rap1ai1ec-1440@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRuth Windsor; randrbunker@charter.net The second book, following last year’s My Brilliant Friend, featuring the two friends Lila and Elena. The two protagonists are now in their twenties. Marriage appears to have imprisoned Lila. Meanwhile, Elena continues her journey of self-discovery.
All CHJ members are welcome. Come even though you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20160716T100000Home of Ruth Windsor0Book Group – Story of a New Name1ai1ec-1486@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.netCome and schmooze at 9:30, meeting starts at 10. All male members are welcome.20160717T093000Home of Dave Shafer0Men’s Rap1ai1ec-1516@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLibby Miller; ldmflowers5330@gmail.comThis group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.
20160724T100000Home of Libby Miller0Women’s Rap1ai1ec-1569@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRosalie Kaye; roseka111@aol.comIt is with regret we report the passing of a longtime member and backbone of the CHJ community. A memorial service is being held for her.20160731T110000Westport Women's Club @ 44 Imperial Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Memorial Service for Gert Albaum1ai1ec-1442@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCarol Cederbaum; ceder57@optonline.netIn the quiet village of Carriveau, Vianne Mauriac says goodbye to her husband, Antoine, as he heads for the Front. She doesn’t believe that the Nazis will invade France…but invade they do. Without food or money or hope, as danger escalates all around them, she is forced to make one impossible choice after another to keep her family alive.
All CHJ members are welcome. Come even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20160813T100000Home of Carol Cederbaum0Book Group – The Nightingale1ai1ec-1446@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDaniel Armin; danielmarmin@gmail.comAll CHJ members are invited. Reception to follow at noon. Please RSVP Daniel Armin by July 27 if you would like to stay for the reception.20160814T100000+41.279903;-72.8141190Bat Mitzvah – Jessica Armin1ai1ec-1487@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726Z20160820T180000+41.141472;-73.357905Compo Beach - across from the pickleball court @ Westport, CT, USA0Havdalah1ai1ec-1582@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJohn Levin; jlevin@tfm-llc.comCome for the camraderie. Bring a swimsuit. Park on the grass and don’t block the driveway.20160821T093000Home of John Levin0Men’s Rap1ai1ec-1488@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726Z20160827T180000Compo Beach @ Westport, CT, USA0Havdalah – Rain Date1ai1ec-1426@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZStephanie Ross; StephanieRoss@ EarthLink.net
RSVP by August 17th20160904T1100000David Ross Bar Mitzvah1ai1ec-1490@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJill Scholsohn; riverstone8@yahoo.comA Kiddish will follow the service. Please RSVP by Aug.15.20160910T120000Unitarian Church @ 10 Lyons Plains Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA0River Greenbaum Bar Mitzvah1ai1ec-1604@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.netDorothy Parker (maiden name was Rothschild, 1893-1967) was famous in the 1930s for play reviews, short poetry, and general wittiness. She also struggled with depression and failed love affairs. Parker had a career as a Hollywood screen writer and was active in social causes. She was a model of a humanist who strove for social justice, and for her efforts was blacklisted in Hollywood and forced to appear before Joe McCarthy.
Dave Shafer will give a slideshow talk about Parker’s life at the first CHJ Adult Ed morning of the season at Bedford Middle School in Westport. The program will be followed by a presentation of her very short two-person funny play, Here We Are.20160911T09300020160911T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Adult Ed – Dorothy Parkerai1ec-1492@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBagels and greetings, meet teachers, music with Rachel and Julia followed by Soccer Game Fun for the students with Craig Tomarkin. Teen Club members and any parent who would like to join the soccer games at Wakeman Field A next to Bedford School are welcome. Pizza for players will be served.20160911T09300020160911T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Open House – First Day of Sunday Schoolai1ec-1444@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZElsa Cantor; elsacantor@yahoo.comVanessa and Her Sister is a spellbinding new story of the inseparable bond between Virginia Woolf and her sister, the gifted painter Vanessa Bell, and the real-life betrayal that threatened to destroy their family. Hailed by The New York Times Book Review as “an uncanny success” and based on meticulous research, this stunning novel illuminates a little-known episode in the celebrated sisters’ glittering bohemian youth among the legendary Bloomsbury Group.
Open to all CHJ members. Come even if you haven’t read the book. A lively discussion always ensues.20160917T103000Vacation home of Elsa Cantor0Book Group – Vanessa and Her Sister1ai1ec-1522@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSheryl Baumann; msbaum@aol.comSunday School – Music with Rayhan Pasternak.
Short Story Reading – “Idiots First: A Story” by Bernard Malamud.
CHJ member Susan Boyar will facilitate the reading of the short story by American author Bernard Malamud. Those in attendance will read the story round-robin style, then participate in a group discussion about this intriguing tale.
Note: Very few print-outs will be available. If you can, please download the story before arriving. Or you can bring your electronic device (smartphone, tablet, laptop) to connect to the Bedford wifi. Here is the link to the story:
https://www.commentarymagazine.com/articles/idiots-first-a-story/20160918T09300020160918T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Edai1ec-1635@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAlex Mack; alexandra.mack@att.netAll CHJ members are welcome. Please contact Alex if you plan on attending.20160919T193000Home of Alex Mack0Board Meeting1ai1ec-1498@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSuzanne Friedman; suzannefriedman@sbcglobal.net
This group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.20160924T100000Home of Suzanne Friedman0Women’s Rap1ai1ec-1615@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZPat McCann will introduce the audience to the Secular Coalition for Connecticut, a local affiliate of the Secular Coalition for America, and relay the types of actions being engaged in on behalf of the secular community in Connecticut. Additionally, the presentation will also compare and contrast the Secular Coalition for Connecticut and the Connecticut Coalition of Reason. Finally, the presentation will provide some details of activities planned in 2016/17 with a focus on the legislative imperatives and supporting strategies planned for 2017 with an emphasis on how people can help and/or participate.
About the Speaker: Pat McCann has been an Atheist and practicing Humanist for 40 years but officially discovered Humanism only 10 years ago. He began his activism for the secular community of Connecticut in 2012 after attending the first Reason Rally. Pat is the current President of the Hartford Area Humanists, the current chair of the Secular Coalition for Connecticut, and a current co-chair of the Connecticut Coalition of Reason.
20160925T09300020160925T114500+41.141472;-73.357905Bedford Middle School @ Westport, CT, USA0Engaging Our Elected Representatives for Secular Connecticutai1ec-1637@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAdult Ed Committee; adulted@humanisticjews.orgSunday School – Shofar Demonstration by Dave Shafer and Hannah Ulman. Songs for the Holidays with Jenny Ginsberg.
Adult Ed – “Engaging Our Elected Representatives for Secular Connecticut”20160925T09300020160925T114500+41.165035;-73.339724Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Edai1ec-1499@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCHJ; info@humanisticjews.orgDoors open at 7p.m.
Service at 7:30p.m.. Oneg to follow.
Featuring Jeff Greenberg, flute
Igor Pasternak, piano
Anna Slate, vocalist
Speaker Steven Getz “Letters to Self-A Rosh Hashanah Story”
20161002T193000+41.175009;-73.358227Unitarian Church @ 10 Lyons Plains Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Rosh Hashanah Eve1ai1ec-1502@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCHJ Info; info@humanisticjews.org
1:00 – 1:45 PM – Family Service**
2:00 – 2:15 PM Taschlich: Parting with our bad ways at the water’s edge
Led by Alan Katz (Gather at the far right corner of the parking lot.)
2:30 – 3:30 PM Jews and the Environment from Ancient Times to Today
Presented by Kurt Zeppetello, Seymour High School science teacher
*Childcare and supervised activities will be provided after Family Service; Casual dress is suggested for daytime programs.
**Family service is appropriate for families with children ages 4 to 14.Each family service includes readings and music and lasts approximately 30 – 45 minutes.20161003T130000+41.175009;-73.358227Unitarian Church @ 10 Lyons Plains Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Rosh Hashanah Day Service*1ai1ec-1609@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMarilyn Brownstein; msbrownstein18@yahoo.comOctober’s book is Vanessa and her Sister by Priya Parmar.
What if Virginia Woolf’s sister had kept a diary? For fans of The Paris Wife and Loving Frank comes a spellbinding new story of the inseparable bond between Virginia and her sister, the gifted painter Vanessa Bell, and the real-life betrayal that threatened to destroy their family. Hailed by The New York Times Book Review as “an uncanny success” and based on meticulous research, this stunning novel illuminates a little-known episode in the celebrated sisters’ glittering bohemian youth among the legendary Bloomsbury Group.
Come even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion. Open to all CHJ members.20161008T100000Home of Marilyn Brownstein0Book Club- Vanessa and her sister1ai1ec-1503@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAdult Ed Committee; adulted@humanisticjews.org
Bagels and coffee served at 9:30.
Program begins at 10:00.
Dave Shafer presents a program of “Snakes in the Bible”.20161009T09300020161009T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed- Snakes in the Bibleai1ec-1504@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCHJ Info; info@humanisticjews.orgFeaturing Jeff Greenberg, flute, Darilyn Manring, cello, Igor Pasternak, piano, Anna Slate, vocalist
Doors open at 7PM.20161011T193000+41.175009;-73.358227Unitarian Church @ 10 Lyons Plains Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Yom Kippur Kol Nidre Service1ai1ec-1505@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCHJ Info; info@humanisticjews.org
1:00 – 1:45 pm Family Service**, featuring Marcia Kosstrin, storyteller, “In the Jerusalem Shuk”
2:00 – 3:15pm The Challenge of Ethical Blind Spots
A presentation and interactive discussion with Dr.David P. Schmidt, Director, Center for Applied Ethics, Fairfield University
3:00 – 4:30pm Meditation
Led by Gail Ostrow (bring pillows or mats, if you use them.)
4:45pm Memorial and Closing Services
Featuring Igor Pasternak, piano, and Anna Slate, vocalist
5:45pm (approx.) Break-Fast
*Childcare and supervised activities will be provided after Family Service; Casual dress is suggested for daytime programs.
**Family service is appropriate for families with children ages 4 to 14.Each family service includes readings and music and lasts approximately 30 – 45 minutes.20161012T130000+41.175009;-73.358227Unitarian Church @ 10 Lyons Plains Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Yom Kippur Day Program*1ai1ec-1507@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZKathy McCormick-Cohen; mccormickkathy@sbcglobal.net
With much love and pride,
we invite you to share in our joy,
as our daughter Caroline
is called to the Torah as a bat mitzvah.
This Service is open to all CHJ members.20161015T1200000Caroline McCormick Bat Mitzvah1ai1ec-1508@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBarbara Jay; barbarajay@jpus.org
It’s October, time for the Sherwood Island Walk to raise funds for breast cancer research and patient support. CHJ has been one of the teams gathering there for at least a gazilion years… so many years that our first T-shirts honored our member Jane Horkel who died in 2003 and our most recent T-shirts, ten years later, honored Lucy Katz. Enough already! Let’s wear our T-shirts in memory of these two devoted members and dear friends and raise money for the cause and hope there will be “No More T-Shirts.”
Adults, kids, friends… everyone is invited to join our team (T-shirt not required) for the Walk and consider making a contribution on the I Love Lucy team page. We’ll announce where to meet as the date approaches. We’ll have the CHJ Humanorah flag hoisted. Coffee, hot chocolate, donuts and bagels will keep us nourished. Please RSVP to Barbara Jay at http://bjassoc@gmail.com if you are coming as there are conflicting events on this date.20161016T090000+41.141472;-73.357905Sherwood Island @ Westport, CT, USA0Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk1ai1ec-1510@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLaura Snow; cinema1233@aol.com
RSVP to Laura if you wish directions to this event.20161016T10000020161016T120000Kent, CT0Sunday School Sukkot Celebrationfreeai1ec-1716@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAlex Mack; president@humanisticjews.orgAll CHJ members are invited. Please RSVP Alex if you plan to attend.20161018T193000Home of Alex Mack0Board Meeting1ai1ec-1713@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZTeri Klein; teriklein@optimum.net
Rabbi Miriam Jerris will be leading a Shabbat service. Rabbi Jerris is the Rabbi of the Society of Humanistic Judaism and provides philosophic, liturgical, ceremonial and organizational support for its affiliates and members.
The service will include music, with accompaniment by our own Rachel Tomarkin on guitar. This will be followed by a discussion of SHJ and its programs and resources. Of course, there will also be an Oneg, for which the Congregation will provide some simple desserts. If, however anyone would like to contribute some homemade goodies, they would be most welcome. We would also welcome some volunteers to assist with the setup.
Please RSVP soon to Teri and/or Phil if you are planning to come. Also, please let us know if you would be willing (1) to bring a dessert and/or (2) to arrive early (between 6:30 and 7:00PM) to help with set up.
20161021T193000+41.1351;-73.286934Southport Congregational Church @ 524 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT 06890, USA0Shabbat Service -Miriam Jerrisfree1ai1ec-1515@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLibby Miller; ldmflowers5330@gmail.comThis group is open to all CHJ women members.
We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.20161022T100000Home of Libby Miller0Women’s Rapfree1ai1ec-1714@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLaura Snow; lmdsnow@gmail.comHavdalah Service followed by potluck dinner and discussion of the development of Humanistic Judaism and where we are today.
The service will be led by Rabbi Miriam Jerris. Rabbi Jerris is the Rabbi of the Society of Humanistic Judaism and provides philosophic, liturgical, ceremonial and organizational support for its affiliates and members.
Potluck dinner: Last name A-M, please bring main dishes; N-Z, hearty side dishes or salads.
You may also bring your own wine and soda. No nuts of any kind please!
CHJ will provide coffee and desserts.
Parking is in the back so please go through the back door, drop off your dish and then enter the event hall.
Please RSVP with the number of people to Laura Snow.20161022T180000+41.1351;-73.286934Southport Congregational Church @ 524 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT 06890, USA0Havdalah Service -Led by Rabbi Miriam Jerrisfree1ai1ec-1511@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAdult Ed Committee; adulted@humanisticjews.orgLiving Authentic Jewish Lives as Humanistic Jews
Rabbi Jerris is the Rabbi of the Society of Humanistic Judaism and provides philosophic, liturgical, ceremonial and organizational support for its affiliates and members.
Miriam has prepared a program based on our input, most particularly Sunday School parents. She will lay out the foundation with a bit of history about how Judaism has developed and changed and how Jews have always adapted to their time and place. Then she will talk a little about the Modern Jewish experience; – how we are distinctive (it’s the liturgy!) and why and how Humanistic Judaism is positioned to respond to where most Jews are today philosophically.
Coffee and bagels and coffee will be served beginning at 9:15 a.m. outside of the Pod. Miriam’s presentation will start at 9:30am.
Program begins at 9:30am. Bagels and coffee will be served outside of the pod at 9:15am.20161023T09150020161023T114500+41.14566;-73.325423Bedford Middle School @ 10 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Rabbi Miriam Jerrisfreeai1ec-1730@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCHJ; news@humanisticjews.org
The CHJ Teen Group will be holding a Coat and Sock Drive and Bake Sale at Bedford Middle School. Please bring your new or clean, gently worn coats and new socks for children and adults to Sunday School. The group will also be holding a Bake Sale, with breakfast items as well as cookies, brownies, etc. available for purchase before and after the Klezmer music session. Coats and socks will be donated to Person-to-Person, and proceeds from the Bake Sale will go to the Connecticut Food Bank. If you have questions please email them to: news@humanisticjews.org.20161023T09300020161023T114500Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Teen Coat and Bake Saleai1ec-1681@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZEvan Levinson; eblevinson@yahoo.comNew members welcome party. All members are invited to meet our new members at a dinner party. Bring a bottle or dessert to share.20161104T190000Home of the Levinsons0New Members Welcome Party1ai1ec-1430@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZPhilana Gudricza; philana.solomon@yahoo.com
All are invited. Please RSVP by October 15.20161105T1600000Layla Solomon Bat Mitzvah1ai1ec-1524@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAdult Ed Committee; adulted@humanisticjews.org
Presented by Michael Retsky.
Program Description: In this program we will be showing a video of a medical ethics talk by Dr. George Ubogy of Greenwich, CT. It provides a historical overview of how medical ethics has evolved over the last two hundred years and shows how patients’ rights have become ever more important. As part of the Manhattan Project soldiers were deliberately exposed to varying doses of radiation from the first atom bomb test to see what its effects would be, with no informed consent. In the 1950’s polio vaccines were tested on some patients without their knowledge. We have come a long way since then. Dr. Ubogy, a former member of CHJ, is active at the Greenwich Hospital in monitoring medical ethics situations there.
20161106T09300020161106T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/ Adult Ed – Medical Ethicsfreeai1ec-1720@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMona Unser; mona.unser@gmail.comNovember’s book is Gramercy Park by Paula Cohen.
New York City, 1894. To Gramercy Park, bordered by elegant town houses, cloistered behind its high iron fence, comes Mario Alfieri, a celebrated tenor and the toast of Europe. Poised for his premier at the Metropolitan Opera, the summit of society, Alfieri needs a refuge from the clamor of New York’s elite . . . and from the eager women who rule it. He finds it, he thinks, at Gramercy Park.
Come even if you haven’t read the book. A lively discussion always ensues.20161112T100000Home of Mona Unser0Book Club – Gramercy Park by Paula Cohen1ai1ec-1526@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAdult Ed Committee; adulted@humanisticjews.org
Board Meeting20161113T09300020161113T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Edai1ec-1723@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRoberta Frank; rcfnpl@yahoo.com
This group is open to all CHJ women members. We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.20161119T100000Home of Roberta Frank0Women’s Rapfree1ai1ec-1471@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZWe welcome CHJ members to the service and kiddish but due to limited space in the venue, please RSVP by November 5.20161119T1100000Georgia Millman-Perlah Bat Mitzvahfree1ai1ec-1529@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAdult Ed Committee; adulted@humanisticjews.org
Dave Shafer presents movie “5 Broken Cameras“.
It is a 94-minute documentary film co-directed by Palestinian Emad Burnat and Israeli Guy Davidi. It was shown at film festivals in 2011 and placed in general release by Kino Lorber in 2012. 5 Broken Cameras is a first-hand account of protests in Bil’in, a West Bank village affected by the Israeli West Bank barrier. The documentary was shot almost entirely by Palestinian farmer Emad Burnat, who bought his first camera in 2005 to record the birth of his youngest son. In 2009 Israeli co-director Guy Davidi joined the project. Structured around the destruction of Burnat’s cameras, the filmmakers’ collaboration follows one family’s evolution over five years of turmoil.[2] The film won a 2012 Sundance Film Festival award, it won the Golden Apricot at the 2012 Yerevan International Film Festival, Armenia, for Best Documentary Film, won the 2013 International Emmy Award,[3][4] and was nominated for a 2013 Academy Award.20161120T09300020161120T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed- 5 Broken Camerasai1ec-1796@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRelly Coleman; coleman@att.net
This year CHJ once again collaborates with three area synagogues to bring another interesting program. This time featuring Elysha Netsarh of the emerging Madagascar Jewish community.
Please join us in welcoming Elysha Netsarh on her first trip to North America. Her multi-media presentation will include videos of the celebration of the conversions of members of the Madagascar Jewish community and the joyous Jewish weddings that followed. Through fabulous pictures and music that will accompany her presentation, audiences will learn about the fascinating little-known country of Madagascar, populated by a warm vibrant people challenged by poverty, and home to an emerging Jewish community that will continue to grow and thrive with our recognition.
A non-profit, 501(c)3 organization based in New York City, Kulanu (Hebrew for “all of us”) works around the world to support isolated and emerging Jewish communities who wish to learn more about Judaism and (re-)connect with the wider Jewish community.
NOTE: We would like to take a photo of attending CHJer together with Elysha and Harriet Bograd, president of Kulanu. Please stay long enough after the talk to participate.
It is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.20161128T193000+41.187781;-73.251291Congregation Beth El @ 1200 Fairfield Woods Rd, Fairfield, CT 06825, USA0Story of Jewish Community in Madagascarfree1ai1ec-1530@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAdult Ed Committee; adulted@humanisticjews.org
Adult Ed Program Description: Join us for this gripping program presented by long-time CHJ members Lesley Apt and Dana Preis. After the presentation, we will invite those in attendance to discuss their own families’ experiences. If you have a family story of your own from that time period, we’d welcome your participation in this engaging Adult Ed program.
Sunday School
CHJ Teen Group Preemie Diaper and Rattle/Toy Drive, to benefit The Tiny Miracles Foundation
Drop-off is Sunday, December 4 at CHJ Sunday School, Bedford Middle School, Westport
We will be collecting items for The Tiny Miracles Foundation, a nonprofit charity based in Fairfield County, CT, dedicated to helping families with premature babies.
Items needed include:
1. Preemie or Newborn sized diapers
(available at most grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.)
2. New Baby Rattles — These would be given out as Christmas/Hanukkah gifts to babies who are in the hospital over the holiday season. Here are two examples of rattles from Babies r Us currently selling for $2 and $3 each (these are just examples—you can purchase new baby rattles of any type from any store):
Bright Starts Rattle & Spin
http://www.toysrus.com/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-6581718v150.jpg
Bright Starts Rattle & Shake Barbell
http://www.toysrus.com/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-5754522v150.jpg
3. New toys for preemies’ siblings, including wooden blocks, Duplo blocks, or plastic stacking rings.
For more information or if you have questions, please email Elise Sullivan, emsull321@optimum.net.
20161204T10000020161204T121500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed-Life in 1930’s Europefreeai1ec-1722@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZEllie Shafer; ershafer@sbcglobal.netThis month’s book is Fun Home by Alison Bechdel.A fresh and brilliantly told memoir from a cult favorite comic artist, marked by gothic twists, a family funeral home, sexual angst, and great books.
Come even if you haven’t read the book. A lively discussion always ensues.
Contact Ellie to tell her what you’ll be bringing for the potluck luncheon.20161210T100000Home of Ellie Shafer0Book Club – Pot Luck Luncheon/”Fun Home”free1ai1ec-1531@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAdult Ed Committee; adulted@humanisticjews.org
Above and Beyond documents the story of the American, foreign and Israeli pilots who flew warplanes to help defend the new state of Israel during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War against Arab Armies that sought to destroy the new country. The film was notable with the cinematography of Harris Done (The Last Days (1998)), special effects by Industrial Light and Magic and an original score from Hans Zimmer’s Studio.20161211T09300020161211T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed- “Above and Beyond”ai1ec-1533@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJessica Wolf; jwolfds@gmail.comCANCELLED due to storm advisory.
This group isopen to all CHJ women members. We always have enlightened discussions and go home exhilarated and inspired. To those of you who have never come, come and see what a great group of women we are.20161217T100000Home of Jessica Wolf0****CANCELLED**** Women’s Rapfree1ai1ec-1683@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRhona Robbin; rhonarobbin@yahoo.com
Please come to this year’s adult Hanukkah party and enjoy the camaraderie as we eat, drink and schmooze while catching up with old friends and making new ones.
In addition, help carry on the popular tradition of the White Elephant Grab Bag! Please bring a small, wrapped gift to place in the grab bag pile. But don’t fall in love with your pick, since it can be taken from you. It’s fun to watch those of us who try to hold onto our pick at all costs, as well as those who try to get rid of what they’ve chosen and trade up. As the saying goes, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure!
Members with last names from A-L, please bring a hearty salad or appetizer (some examples: latkes; cheese plate; small veggies/dips; mini burritos; spinach pies; salmon or crab cakes; sushi; deviled eggs). Those with last names from M-Z, please bring a dessert.20161217T190000Home of Ilene Ginsberg0Adult Hannukah Partyfree1ai1ec-1532@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSheryl Baumann; adulated@humanisticjews.org20161218T09300020161218T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Hannukah Partyai1ec-1534@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAdult Ed Committee; adulted@humanisticjews.org
Presentation by Asher Ostrin, senior executive for international affairs.
JDC is the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, impacting millions of lives in more than 70 countries today. JDC leverages a century’s experience confronting poverty and crisis around the world.20170108T09300020170108T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed- Joint Distribution Committeeai1ec-1685@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCarrie Frank; cif3@columbia.eduEnjoy pizza and documentary about Oliver Sacks, renowned neurologist, author and self-described “old Jewish atheist”.20170113T190000Home of the Ulmans0Oliver Sacks Documentary1ai1ec-1755@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZIlene Ginsberg; isgins@optonline.net
This month’s book is To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf.
The serene and maternal Mrs. Ramsay, the tragic yet absurd Mr. Ramsay, and their children and assorted guests are on holiday on the Isle of Skye. From the seemingly trivial postponement of a visit to a nearby lighthouse, Woolf constructs a remarkable, moving examination of the complex tensions and allegiances of family life and the conflict between men and women.
Come even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20170114T100000Home of Ilene Ginsberg0Book Club – To the Lighthousefree1ai1ec-1809@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJessica Wolf; jwolfds@gmail.comCome enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.20170115T100000Home of Jessica Wolf0Women’s Rap-***CANCELLED***free1ai1ec-1539@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAdult Ed Committee; adulted@humanisticjews.org
To Unweave A Rainbow: Science and the Essence of Being Human. A video presentation shown courtesy of the World Science Festival.
As long ago as the early 19th century, the poet Keats bemoaned the washing away of the world’s beauty and mystery in the wake of natural philosophy’s reductionist insights – its tendency to “unweave a rainbow.” Two centuries later, the tentacles of science have reached far further, wrapping themselves around questions and disciplines once thought beyond the reach of scientific analysis. But like Keats, not everyone is happy. When it comes to the evaluation of human experience—passion to prayer, consciousness to creativity—what can science explain, and what are the limits of its explanatory powers? What is the difference between science and scientism? Are the sciences and the humanities friends or foes? Join us in watching this animated discussion on science, reductionism, the mind, the heart, freedom, religion, and the quest for the human difference.20170122T09300020170122T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed-To Unweave a Rainbowfreeai1ec-1536@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAdult Ed Committee; adulted@humanisticjews.orgBoard Meetings are open to all members.20170129T09300020170129T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed-Board Meetingai1ec-1537@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726Z
Please save the date for one of CHJ’s most popular annual events for adults AND children: Our Tu B’Shvat Seder. We will gather to celebrate Jewish earth day with a service, exuberant live music with Adam Feder and a wonderful pot luck dinner.
Snow date 2/5/17 at 5:00 PM.20170204T180000+41.1351;-73.286934Southport Congregational Church @ 524 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT 06890, USA0Tu B’shvat Sederfree1ai1ec-1553@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726Z20170205T170000+41.134779;-73.286487Southport Congregational Church @ 524 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT 06890, USA0Tu B’shvat Seder SNOW DAYfree1ai1ec-1757@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMarilyn Brownstein; msbrownstein18@yahoo.com
Hilarious and true-to-life, witty, compassionate, and impossible to put down, Straight Man follows Hank Devereaux through one very bad week in this novel from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Russo.
William Henry Devereaux, Jr., is the reluctant chairman of the English department of a badly underfunded college in the Pennsylvania rust belt. Devereaux’s reluctance is partly rooted in his character–he is a born anarchist–and partly in the fact that his department is more savagely divided than the Balkans.
Come even if you haven’t read the book. A lively discussion always ensues.20170211T100000Home of Marilyn Brownstein0Book Club -Straight Manfree1ai1ec-1782@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJohn Levin; jlevin@tfm-llc.comCocktail Hour – 6pm
Full Course Dinner – 7pm
By popular demand we are having the 9th Annual Darwin Day Dinner, with cocktail hour, dinner, science quiz (with prizes!) and presentation by a world class science presenter.
We celebrate with a party –food, drink, entertainment, and a talk by a popular university professor, Walter Jetz.
Walter Jetz, Director of the new Yale Center for Biodiversity and Global Change, will showcase work by his group in collaboration with NASA and biodiversity monitoring efforts worldwide.
Please register at DarwinDayCT.org.
20170211T180000+41.060864;-73.506803The Water's Edge at Giovanni's Restaurant @ 2748 Boston Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820, USA0Darwin Day Dinnerfree1ai1ec-1551@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAdult Ed Committee; adulted@humanisticjews.org
UCONN Judaic Roadshow: Jeffrey Shoulson – “Who Was A Jew? The Emergence of Jewish Identity”
Recent debates amongst the Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform movements about matrilineal vs. patrilineal descent and proper conversion are only the latest installments in an ongoing process of Jewish self-definition. This lecture takes a look at some of the earliest approaches to—and controversies about—the question of Jewish identity.
Jeffrey Shoulson, Ph.D., Yale University, Professor of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages; Director, Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life20170212T09300020170212T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed-Judaic Roadshowfreeai1ec-1810@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZTeri Klein; teriklein@optimum.netCome enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.20170219T100000Home of Teri Klein0Women’s Rap-***CANCELLED***free1ai1ec-1543@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRochelle Green; rochellegreen711@yahoo.com
7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Sign-in/Registration
7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Shabbat service & talk, “This We Believe: Secular Humanistic Jewish Philosophy”
This evening kicks off a three-day interactive program, Matzah Without Dogma
– A Bold Exploration of Secular Humanistic Judaism. Rabbi Adam Chalom,
a leading voice in Humanistic Judaism, will guide us through questions of truth,
ethics, spirituality, Jewish identity, ties with tradition, and more.
Rabbi Chalom was ordained by the International Institute for Secular Humanistic
Judaism in 2001 and now serves as its Dean for North America. He is also the
rabbi of Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation in suburban Chicago, Illinois.
This program is free and open to the public. Invite your friends and family!
20170224T19000020170224T210000+41.1351;-73.286934Southport Congregational Church @ 524 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT 06890, USA0Matzah Without Dogma – A Weekend Seminar with Rabbi Adam Chalomfreeai1ec-1784@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRochelle Green; rochellegreen711@yahoo.com
9:15 – 10:00 a.m. Sign-in/Registration; Bagels & Coffee
10:00 – 1:00 p.m. Morning session: “Answering Philosophic Questions”
What role does faith play in Humanistic Judaism? How do secular Jews
experience spirituality? Can we find profound meaning in a secular life? Rabbi
Adam Chalom will guide us in pondering these and other philosophic questions
about Secular Humanistic Judaism.
Rabbi Chalom was ordained by the International Institute for Secular Humanistic
Judaism in 2001 and now serves as its Dean for North America. He is also the
rabbi of Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation in suburban Chicago, Illinois
This program is free and open to the public. Invite your friends and family!
20170225T10000020170225T130000+41.1351;-73.286934Southport Congregational Church @ 524 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT 06890, USA0Matzah Without Dogma -Rabbi Adam Chalom (Morning Session)freeai1ec-1795@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRochelle Green; rochellegreen711@yahoo.com2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Afternoon session: “Answering Jewish Questions
How can you be Jewish if you’re a non-believer? How are Humanistic Jews
related to the “rest of Judaism”? Who are you to make changes in our 5000-year
old tradition? Join Rabbi Adam Chalom in exploring these and other pointed
questions about Secular Humanistic Judaism.
Rabbi Chalom was ordained by the International Institute for Secular Humanistic
Judaism in 2001 and now serves as its Dean for North America. He is also the
rabbi of Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation in suburban Chicago, Illinois.
This program is free and open to the public. Invite your friends and family!
20170225T14000020170225T170000+41.1351;-73.286934Southport Congregational Church @ 524 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT 06890, USA0Matzah Without Dogma – Rabbi Adam Chalom (Afternoon Session)freeai1ec-1785@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRochelle Green; rochellegreen711@yahoo.com
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Bagels & Coffee
9:30 – 12:00 p.m. Wrap-up: “The Hardest Questions”
As we conclude our weekend program, Matzah Without Dogma – A Bold Exploration of Secular Humanistic Judaism. Sunday’s session concludes Rabbi Adam Chalom’s weekend-long seminar and crystallizes the issues addressed, including questions of truth, reality, human nature, ethics, politics, esthetics, and Jewish identity, history and culture.
Rabbi Chalom was ordained by the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism in 2001, and received his PhD in Near Eastern Studies – Hebrew and Jewish Cultural Studies concentration from the University of Michigan. In addition to his work with the Institute, Rabbi Chalom is the rabbi of Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation in north suburban Chicago, Illinois.
This program is free and open to the public. Invite your friends and family!
20170226T090000+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Matzah Without Dogma – Rabbi Adam Chalomfree1ai1ec-1914@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAlex Mack; alex.mack@att.net
All CHJ members are welcome to attend.20170228T19300020170228T210000Home of Alex Mack0Board Meetingfreeai1ec-1547@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRachel Albanese; rbe818@yahoo.com20170304T180000Various member homes0Havdalah1ai1ec-1548@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAdult Ed Committee; adulted@humanisticjews.org
Steve Ulman moderates this discussion on the Trump Administration and Humanism.
We will analyze the Trump administration’s actions and promises according to humanistic values, like freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from ethnocentric discrimination, the benefits of immigration, scientific inquiry, the rule of law, and ultimately the elevation of human dignity. Do we feel the need to act, either individually or collectively? If so, how can we be truly effective? Come with an open mind and a willingness to listen to unexpected points of view.20170305T09300020170305T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Trump Administration and Humanismfreeai1ec-1687@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRachel Dreyfus; rachel_dreyfus@yahoo.comGili Getz – A new play and a conversation about the difficulty of talking openly about Israel in the Jewish American community.
Alan Katz will moderate a discussion afterwards.
20170310T190000+41.164956;-73.461603Quaker House @ 317 New Canaan Rd, Wilton, CT 06897, USA0Forbidden Conversationfree1ai1ec-1919@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRachel Albanese; rbe818@yahoo.com Come to our annual Purim party.
There will be pizza, fun games and prizes! New this year — Purim Photo Booth and Photo Collage! Have the kids come in costume! We will have photo props too.
To make the carnival a success, we need lots of parent volunteers. Please sign up via Sign-Up Genius below, and if you have teens, have them sign up to help too!
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0d4aaaaa2ba4fe3-purim
20170312T10000020170312T120000+41.145612;-73.32541Bedford Middle School @ 10 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Purim Partyfreeai1ec-1870@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJoann Heimann; jkheimann5@gmail.com
The National Book Award Winner and #1 New York Times bestseller from Colson Whitehead, a magnificent tour de force chronicling a young slave’s adventures as she makes a desperate bid for freedom in the antebellum South.
Come even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20170318T100000Home of Joann Heimann0Book Club- The Underground Railroadfree1ai1ec-1550@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; adulted@humanisticjews.org
 The story of Alfred Dreyfus, the Jewish-French army captain falsely convicted of espionage in late-nineteenth century France, is well known. Less familiar, however, is the role that the press, in particular illustrated newspapers, played in shaping public opinion about the case.
This will be presented by Dr. Deborah Varat (nee Shafer).
She is a professor of art history and chair of the Humanities Department at Southern New Hampshire University.
Ellie and Dave Shafer are hosting a light brunch at 9:30.
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    
  #    #  
!       #
$ %&'( 20170319T09300020170319T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed -Story of Alfred Dreyfus and the Pressfreeai1ec-1811@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSuzanne Friedman; suzannefriedman@sbcglobal.netCome enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.20170325T100000Home of Suzanne Friedman0Women’s Rapfree1ai1ec-1790@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAdult Ed Committee; adulted@humanisticjews.orgMovie screening What our Fathers Did – a Nazi Legacy
A poignant, thought-provoking account of friendship and the toll of inherited guilt, “What Our Fathers Did” explores the relationship between two men, each of whom are the children of very high-ranking Nazi officials and possess starkly contrasting attitudes toward their fathers. Eminent human rights lawyer Philippe Sands investigates the complicated connection between the two, and even delves into the story of his own grandfather who escaped the same town where their fathers carried out mass killings. The three embark on an emotional journey together, as they travel through Europe and converse about the past, examining the sins of their fathers and providing a unique view of the father-son relationship, ultimately coming to some very unexpected and difficult conclusions.20170326T09300020170326T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/What our Fathers Did-A Nazi Legacyfreeai1ec-1554@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLaura Snow20170402T09300020170402T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Model Sederai1ec-1937@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAlexandra Mack; alexandra.mack@att.net
All CHJ members are invited to attend our Board Meeting. Please let Alex know if you plan to attend.20170404T19300020170404T210000Home of Alexandra Mack0Board Meetingfreeai1ec-1930@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRachel Dreyfus; racheldreyfus@gmail.com
The Forbidden Conversation: An autobiographical one-man performance by Gili Getz exploring the difficulty of having a conversation about Israel in the American Jewish community, followed by a discussion moderated by our own Alan Katz. “Heavy appetizers” and beverages will be served.
Who is this for?: Ages High-school and up. Are you tired or disengaged from what’s going on in Israel because it’s too complex or too painful to discuss? Do you feel like there’s a political roadblock or struggle when talking with your friends, your community, your family about Israel? Or, maybe you never go to these events – you feel strongly and know everyone else is mistaken. For all of those views, this event is for you.
We’ll come together to learn how to engage in a conversation about Israel and why it’s important to do so. We’re NOT going to “litigate the conflict” and we’re NOT going to try to come to agreement. We ARE going to learn to articulate our own point of view better, and understand others.
20170407T19000020170407T213000+41.164956;-73.461603The Friends Meetinghouse @ 317 New Canaan Rd, Wilton, CT 06897, USA0The Forbidden Conversationfreeai1ec-1926@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDana Preis; danapreis@gmail.com
Please join us at Men’s Rap. There are bagels and coffee at 9:30 and the meeting starts at 10:00am. All CHJ male members are welcome.20170409T093000Home of Dana Preis0Men’s Rapfree1ai1ec-1557@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZEllie Shafer; ershafer@sbcglobal.net20170411T180000+41.122376;-73.269333Scandinavian Club @ 1351 S Pine Creek Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824, USA0Passover Seder1ai1ec-1812@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLibby Miller; Ldmflowers5330@gmail.comCome enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.20170416T100000Home of Libby Miller0Women’s Rapfree1ai1ec-1929@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZEllie Shafer; ershafer@sbcglobal.net
This month’s book is Native Son by Richard Wright. Come even if you haven’t read the book.There’s always a lively discussion.20170422T100000Home of Ellie Shafer0Book Club- Native Sonfree1ai1ec-1558@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSteve Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net
In our hectic modern lives, there never seems to be enough time to do what’s truly important for the long term. April 23 will provide an opportunity to focus on four important causes in just three hours. At 9:00 am we will gather at the Trumbull Nature and Arts Center (TNAC) to clean up the grounds for spring and start a vegetable garden. The Sunday School students will join us, and we will work together in honor of Earth Day.
When our work is done, Sunday School Graduation will begin. Director Laura Snow will present brief biographies of each of the graduates as she gives them their certificates. Learning what these kids have accomplished is heartwarming and may surprise you.
As if supporting our kids and taking care of our environment weren’t enough, we will also be supporting education in science. Our work will serve TNAC’s mission of “developing nature-rich experiences and Science Technology and Math (STEM) immersive programs for all members of its community,” including those who are underserved.
But wait; there’s more. This event will be the first in a series of days of community service we will do together in honor of our Congregation’s 50th Anniversary.
To participate in this glorious morning, just show up at 9:00 am at the Trumbull Nature and Arts Center, Phone: (203) 452-4421. Be ready and dress to work in the yard or garden. It would be a bonus if you brought gardening or landscaping tools not powered by electricity or gasoline. And, if you have expertise in gardening or landscaping, please let us know in advance at ulmans@optonline.net.
.20170423T090000+41.293509;-73.244326Trumbull Nature and Arts Center @ 7115 Main St, Trumbull, CT 06611, USA0Join us for Community Service and Sunday School Graduationfree1ai1ec-1944@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAlex Mack; alexandra.mack@att.netAll CHJ members are welcome to the Board Meeting. Please let Alex know if you’re planning on attending.20170502T193000Home of Alex Mack0Board Meetingfree1ai1ec-1559@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLaura Snow20170507T093000TBD0Field Trip-***********CANCELLED*******free1ai1ec-1950@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZGeorge Unser; george.unser@gmail.comBagels and coffee will be served.20170507T093000Home of George Unser0Men’s Rapfree1ai1ec-1934@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJoan Shaw; jsmsw@optonline.net
This month’s book is La Rose by Louise Erdrich. Come even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20170513T100000Home of Joan Shaw0Book Club – La Rosefree1ai1ec-1560@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCHJ; info@humanisticjews.org20170520T100000+41.175009;-73.358227Unitarian Church @ 10 Lyons Plains Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Bradley Snow Bar Mitzvahfree1ai1ec-1962@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZTeri Klein; teriklein@optimum.net
The regular monthly meeting of the interfaith council this month will be co-hosted by Temple Israel and CHJ.
We will provide drinks and dessert, but you will need to bring your own “brown bag” lunch. This choice was made this year by the majority of the members. If you are interested in attending please let me know. Any questions, please give me a call.
Teri Klein 203-227-272720170523T120000+41.176904;-73.355159Temple Israel @ 14 Coleytown Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Interfaith Council Monthly Meetingfree1ai1ec-1814@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJoan Shaw; jsmsw@optonline.netCome enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.20170528T100000Home of Joan Shaw0Women’s Rapfree1ai1ec-1563@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBecca Goldblat; rhgold@optonline.netCHJ members are invited to the service and the Kiddish, including coffee and dessert afterward.
Please RSVP by May 1st. See contact info.20170602T1900000Sam Hayden Bar Mitzvahfree1ai1ec-1690@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRachel Dreyfus; racheljdreyfus@gmail.comShavuot, Torah celebration and dinner party with Adam Feder’s band. Bring a bottle or dessert to share.
20170609T190000Home of Dreyfus-Moons0Shavuot and Torah celebration/dinner partyfree1ai1ec-1936@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRhona Smith; rhonarobbin@yahoo.com
Hillbilly Elegy is a passionate and personal analysis of a culture in crisis—that of poor, white Americans. The disintegration of this group, a process that has been slowly occurring now for over forty years, has been reported with growing frequency and alarm, but has never before been written about as searingly from the inside. In Hillbilly Elegy, J.D. Vance tells the true story of what a social, regional, and class decline feels like when you were born with it hanging around your neck.
Join our group even if you haven’t read the book. There is always a lively discussion.
RSVP Rhona Smith.20170610T100000Home of Rhona Smith0Book Club- Hillbilly Elegy by J.D.Vancefree1ai1ec-1691@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCarrie Frank; cif3@columbia.eduYear-end Annual meeting and pot luck luncheon and pool party; bring a main dish to share.20170611T130000Home of John Levin and Diane O'Keefe0Annual Meeting/Pot luck lunchfree1ai1ec-1971@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSteve Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net
Remember what a glorious day we had volunteering at the Trumbull Nature and Arts Center last April? We’re planning another Day of Service in honor of our 50th Anniversary. This time we will be doing spring cleaning for Neighborhood Studios. Neighborhood Studios provides a measurable platform for lifelong success through the delivery of arts education to children at risk and those with special needs throughout Fairfield County. We will be organizing supplies and donations so that they are accessible to the kids and teachers, performing minor repairs to a damaged floor, and possibly painting a few walls.
Supplies will be provided and staff will be on hand to direct us so that we can have the greatest possible impact in a single day. We will be working in five classrooms and hope to have at least two volunteers in each, so we need at least 10 people to show up. Also, we are trying to raise about $200 to cover the cost of supplies for the day. Please contact Steve Ulman if you are interested in participating or donating.20170617T10000020170617T140000+41.186319;-73.185273Neighborhood Studios @ 391 E Washington Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06608, USA0Day of Service in Bridgeportfreeai1ec-1954@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMitch Tilkin; mitchtilk@yahoo.com
9:30 Nosh
10:00 Discussion
Please RSVP Mitch so there’ll be enough food.20170625T093000Home of Mitch Tilkin0Men’s Rapfree1ai1ec-1815@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRoberta Frank; rcfnpl@yahoo.comCome enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.20170625T100000Home of Roberta Frank0Women’s Rapfree1ai1ec-1945@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRoberta Frank; rcfnpl@yahoo.com
In the familiar setting of Holt, Colorado, home to all of Kent Haruf‘s inimitable fiction, Addie Moore pays an unexpected visit to a neighbor, Louis Waters. Her husband died years ago, as did his wife, and in such a small town they naturally have known of each other for decades; in fact, Addie was quite fond of Louis’s wife. His daughter lives hours away, her son even farther, and Addie and Louis have long been living alone in empty houses, the nights so terribly lonely, especially with no one to talk with. But maybe that could change? As Addie and Louis come to know each other better–their pleasures and their difficulties–a beautiful story of second chances unfolds, making Our Souls at Night the perfect final installment to this beloved writer’s enduring contribution to American literature.
Join us for a lively discussion, even if you haven’t read the book.
RSVP Roberta Frank.20170708T100000Home of Roberta Frank0Book Club- Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruffree1ai1ec-2037@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMitch Tilkin; mitchtilk@yahoo.com
Come for a nosh at 9:30, with the Rap (discussion) starting at 10:00AM.
Weather permitting the meeting will probably held poolside, so you are encouraged to wear or bring a bathing suit.
Men’s Rap is open to all male members of CHJ, and if you have never come to one you should really give it a try. If you have any questions please contact Mitch Tilkin.20170716T093000Home of John Levin0Men’s Rapfree1ai1ec-1816@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMyrna Retsky ; Retsky.myrna@gmail.comCome enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.20170723T100000Home of Myrna Retsky0Women’s Rapfree1ai1ec-1947@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMarilyn Brownstein; msbrownstein18@yahoo.com
This month’s book is Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan. In a swift and breathtaking narrative, Susannah tells the astonishing true story of her descent into madness, her family’s inspiring faith in her, and the lifesaving diagnosis that nearly didn’t happen.
Join us for a lively discussion, even if you haven’t read the book.
RSVP Marilyn Brownstein.20170812T100000Home of Marilyn Brownstein0Book Club – Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalanfree1ai1ec-2133@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZGeorge Unser; george.unser@gmail.com
As always the meeting starts with a Nosh at 9:30 with the discussion at 10AM.
So he knows approximately how many to prepare for please RSVP to George at
george.unser@gmail.com20170813T093000Home of George Unser0Men’s Rapfree1ai1ec-2038@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRachel Dreyfus; racheljdreyfus@gmail.com20170819T180000+41.141472;-73.357905Compo Beach @ Westport, CT, USA0Havdalahfree1ai1ec-2039@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRachel Dreyfus; racheljdreyfus@gmail.com20170826T180000+41.141472;-73.357905Compo Beach @ Westport, CT, USA0Havdalah Rain Datefree1ai1ec-1817@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJessica Wolf; jwolfds@gmail.comCome enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.20170827T100000Home of Jessica Wolf0Women’s Rapfree1ai1ec-1952@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZPhilana Gudricza; philana.solomon@yahoo.com
Reception to follow. Limited space available.
Please RSVP by Aug.12 if you would like to stay for the reception. See contact info.20170909T1600000Jack Solomon Bar Mitzvahfree1ai1ec-2025@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZCHJ member Gail Ostrow will be collecting school supplies for a kindergarten and a 5th grade class at Black Rock School. Items needed include:
Glue sticks
Dixon Ticonderoga pencils (generic brands break when you try to sharpen them)
Scissors
Lined paper
Colored folders
Black/white notebooks
2-pocket folders
Wide ruled loose leaf paper
Colored construction paper
Composition notebooks
Crayola crayons, fat pencils
Copy paper
Money is always acceptable; then the teacher can buy exactly what she/he needs.
Quality books for grades 5-8 for the school library are also needed.
Items can be brought to the Open House or arrangements can be made to drop the items off at Gail’s house. For more info, please email Gail Ostrow at fullgail@optonline.net.20170910T09300020170910T120000+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School Open Housefreeai1ec-2110@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJessica Wolf; jwolfds@gmail.comKlezmer Music
LISTEN, LEARN, SING, DANCE: KLEZMER!
RAYHAN AND IGOR PASTERNAK
Please note: the program will be from 9:45-11:00 AM with
schmoozing and snacking from 11:00-11:30 AM.
Rayhan and Igor will tell us about Klezmer history, play Klezmer tunes, teach us songs, and
lead us in dancing.
The CHJ Teen Group will be collecting nutritious, non-perishable food items for the Person-To-Person South Norwalk Food Pantry, which serves over 700 families per month.
Please bring any of the following unopened, non-expired, non-perishable food items to the CHJ Open House/Sunday School/Adult Ed at Bedford Middle School on September 10:
Peanut butter (creamy and crunchy)
Jelly (strawberry, raspberry, or other flavors besides grape would be greatly appreciated!)
Boxes of pasta
Jars of pasta sauce
Cereal
Hearty canned soups
Boxes of macaroni and cheese
Tea bags
Crackers
Nutritional snacks such as granola bars, etc.
Paper and plastic grocery bags (recycled)
Toiletries (toothpaste, toilet paper, deodorant, etc.)
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Elise Sullivan, Caroline McCormick, and Bradley Snow
Teen Group Leaders
20170910T09450020170910T113000+41.165035;-73.339724Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Adult Ed Open Housefreeai1ec-1562@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJoanna Garfinkle; jgarfinkle@optimum.net
Light brunch to follow. Limited space.
Please RSVP by 9/1 if you would like to stay for the reception.20170916T100000+41.317458;-73.022714The Birchwoods of Oak Lane @ 1027 Racebrook Rd, Woodbridge, CT 06525, USA0Zachary Garfinkle Bar Mitzvahfree1ai1ec-1967@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAlexandra Mack; alexandra.mack@att.net
Our president has called for a Congregation meeting during Adult Ed time. In this meeting we will discuss where we want to go as a congregation, based on survey results and other conversations. All members are encouraged to participate.20170917T09300020170917T114500+41.158148;-73.329529Bedford Middle School @ 88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School / Congregation Business Meetingfreeai1ec-2063@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net Paul Golin
The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism of Fairfield County (CHJ) welcomes you to attend our meaningful High Holiday services and programs, which are free and open to the public. We have several special programs planned, beginning with a keynote by Paul Golin, new executive director of the Society for Humanistic Judaism.
In his speech, Celebrating Jewish Diversity, Golin will explore how intermarriage strengthens Judaism and provides a conduit for meaning and growth within Jewish traditions. The service itself includes traditional and modern readings and songs and of course features the shofar.20170920T193000+41.179374;-73.358168Unitarian Church @ Lyons Plains Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Rosh Hashanah Evefree1ai1ec-2064@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net
Paul Golin will return to lead a Rosh Hashanah workshop on The Future of Liberal Judaism. How can Jewish congregations become relevant for unaffiliated Jews? What benefits of belonging might people find within Humanistic Judaism or other congregations? Join CHJ for a lively discussion about engagement and participation in Jewish life today.
In addition, CHJ will hold a family service at noon on Rosh Hashanah day followed by a luncheon for members and non-members prior to Golin’s workshop. We close the day with a short Tashlich service by the river.20170921T120000+41.179374;-73.358168Unitarian Church @ Lyons Plains Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Rosh Hashanahfree1ai1ec-2081@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZIlene Ginsberg; isgins@optonline.net
This month’s book is Being Mortal by Atul Gawande.
Full of eye-opening research and riveting storytelling, Being Mortal asserts that medicine can comfort and enhance our experience even to the end, providing not only a good life but also a good end.
Come even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20170923T100000Home of Ilene Ginsburg0Book Club – Being Mortal (**Note change**)free1ai1ec-2195@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.net
Bagels and coffee will be served.20170924T093000Home of Dave Shafer0Men’s Rapfree1ai1ec-1818@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRoberta Frank; rcfnpl@yahoo.comCome enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.20170924T100000Home of Teri Klein/Michelle Tomarkin backup0Women’s Rapfree1ai1ec-2040@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net
Yom Kippur observances include Kol Nidre with live cello music, a family service, afternoon programs and a closing and memorial service, followed by a community break-fast.20170929T193000+41.179374;-73.358168Unitarian Church @ Lyons Plains Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Yom Kippur Eve/Kol Nidrefree1ai1ec-2041@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net
1:00 The Yom Kippur family service features the shofar, plus storyteller Marcia Kosstrin presenting Jonah and the Whale.
2-3:30: An interactive workshop led by CHJ members Gail Ostrow & Rochelle Green and why we pass on our Jewish heritage.
3:45 Gail will lead her popular annual Meditation class to facilitate the reflection associated with this time of year.
5pm Memorial and Closing Services with a break-fast afterward. All are welcome to join CHJ members for the break-fast.20170930T130000+41.179374;-73.358168Unitarian Church @ Lyons Plains Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Yom Kippur Dayfree1ai1ec-2099@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLibby Miller; ldmflowers@yahoo.com
This month’s book is America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray.
In a compelling, richly researched novel that draws from thousands of letters and original sources, bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie tell the fascinating, untold story of Thomas Jefferson’s eldest daughter, Martha “Patsy” Jefferson Randolph–a woman who kept the secrets of our most enigmatic founding father and shaped an American legacy.20171014T100000Home of Libby Miller0Book Club – America’s First Daughterfree1ai1ec-2042@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLaura Snow; lmdsnow@gmail.com
Succot at Dan and Jill’s house.20171015T10000020171015T123000+41.69448;-73.4972980Sunday School Succot / Adult Edfreeai1ec-2290@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJohn Levin; jlevin6@zoho.comDue to a lack of available Sundays, in a break with tradition men meet on Saturday this month @ the home of John Levin.We will schmooze and eat (bagels, lox, and coffee will be served) from 9:30 to 10, and the discussion starts at 10:00.20171028T093000John Levin0Saturday Men’s Rapfree1ai1ec-2087@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRuth Windsor; randrbunker@charter.net
Come enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.20171028T103000Home of Ruth Windsor0Women’s Rap- Note Different Time 10:30 amfree1ai1ec-2045@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMichael Koelle; michael.koelle@yale.edu20171029T09300020171029T114500+41.165035;-73.339724Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/Adult Ed- David Weisbergfreeai1ec-1874@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRochelle Green; rochellegreen71@yahoo.com
Plan to celebrate CHJ’s 50th with pizazz. Buy your tickets here!
Dinner & Dancing with Music by the Adam Feder and the Shul Band
We are going to have a great night filled with dancing, live music by Adam Feder and the Shul Band, and a sit-down dinner.
Friends Old & New
…And a walk down Memory Lane
Cocktail attire is preferred.
Please note!
The open bar at the Gala lasts just 1-hour.
Bring cash if you would like drinks thereafter — and set an alarm on your fit-bit.
The Gala Committee will coordinate carpooling efforts for those in need. If you are interested in being a driver or a passenger, please email Emily Shufrin at emilybshufrin@gmail.com.
To volunteer for the Gala Committee, contact Rochelle Green. See contact info above.
Tickets: http://chj50.eventbrite.com/.20171104T18300020171104T223000+41.288578;-73.249871Tashua Knolls Banquets @ 40 Tashua Knolls Ln, Trumbull, CT 06611, USA0Golden Anniversary Galaexternalhttp://chj50.eventbrite.com/ai1ec-2047@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAlexander Mack; Alexandra.mack@att.net20171111T110000+41.288578;-73.249871Tashua Knolls Golf Club @ 40 Tashua Knolls Ln, Trumbull, CT 06611, USA0Bar Mitzvah – Julian Zeppetellofree1ai1ec-2049@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.net
The Catskills resorts were not only a Jewish refuge and family vacation paradise, they also gave birth to American stand-up comedy, an NBA All-Star tradition, and all-inclusive resorts. This film brings to life how Kutsher’s thrived at the center of all this growth and excitement. The story of Kutsher’s is uniquely American, unexpectedly moving and a vital chapter of the modern Jewish experience.
Coffee, snacking, and schmoozing starts at 9:30; Film at 9:45, followed by discussion 10:55-11:15.
Did you ever visit Kutsher’s or another of the “Borscht Belt” Jewish resorts? Come and share your reminiscences during our post-film discussion!20171112T09300020171112T114500+41.165035;-73.339724Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School / Adult Ed- Welcome to Kutsher’sfreeai1ec-2100@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRosalie Wolf; rwolf@botanicacap.comTrudy has betrayed her husband, John. She’s still in the marital home—a dilapidated, priceless London townhouse—but John’s not there. Instead, she’s with his brother, the profoundly banal Claude, and the two of them have a plan. But there is a witness to their plot: the inquisitive, nine-month-old resident of Trudy’s womb.
Told from a perspective unlike any other, Nutshell is a classic tale of murder and deceit from one of the world’s master storytellers.
Come even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20171118T100000Home of Rosalie Wolf0Book Club -Nutshell by Ian McEwanfree1ai1ec-2102@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.net
The Russian Revolution and the Jews:
A presentation by Dave Shafer
One hundred years ago the Russian Revolution of 1917 changed history in a major way. Putin is not celebrating this 100th anniversary, since he prefers the very autocratic Czarist style of ruling. We at CHJ will take a look at this complicated (who knew??) historic event from an exceedingly narrow perspective – who of the key players was Jewish and how were Russian Jews affected just before, during and shortly after these few years of intense turmoil in Russia?
Dave Shafer will share the results of his research in a slideshow talk.
The many anti-Semitic conspiracy theories that surround the Russian Revolution, like the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, make it hard to track down solid facts about just who was Jewish and who was not. Some of that will also be covered.
Coffee, snacking, and schmoozing starts at 9:30; Presentation starts at 9:45.20171119T09300020171119T114500+41.165035;-73.339724Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School/ Adult Ed- Russian Revolution and the Jewsfreeai1ec-2350@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726Z203-321-1373 x150; info@jhsfc-ct.org; http://www.jhsfc-ct.org/img/programs/pioneers.png.
CHJ member Dr. David Levinson will be honored as a Transformational Leader by the Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County. David will receive his award, along with three others, as part of the “Pioneers of Education” honor ceremony.
David has been president of Norwalk Community College since August, 2004. Over the last decade, he brought improvements that provided learning opportunities for the entire community beginning with Pre-school to Elementary to High School to College to Lifetime Learners.
Admission is $60 per person, and includes a Welcome Nosh, Presentations, and Festive Reception.
For more info call 203-321-1373 x150 or email info@jhsfc-ct.org, or visit http://www.jhsfc-ct.org/img/programs/pioneers.png.20171123T140000+41.111712;-73.452218Temple Shalom @ 259 Richards Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850, USA0David Levinson to be Honoredfree$60.001ai1ec-2088@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRosalie Wolf; rwolf@botanicacap.comCome enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.20171126T100000Home of Rosalie Wolf0Women’s Rapfree1ai1ec-2330@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDana Preis; danapreis@gmail.com
Cancelled due to lack of attendees.
20171202T093000Home of Dana Preis0Men’s Rap ***CANCELLED***free1ai1ec-2254@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJoan Shaw; jsmsw@optonline.netThis meeting is to plan the method of selecting future books, and to discuss upcoming choices. Please come so you can have a say in the running of this book club.20171202T100000Home of Joan shaw0Book Club – Special Planning Meetingfree1ai1ec-2051@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.net20171203T09300020171203T114500+41.165035;-73.339724Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School / Board Meetingfreeai1ec-2101@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZEllie Shafer; ershafer@sbcglobal.net
A play reading of “Marty”, a Bronx butcher who gives up on love — until he meets an equally lonely school teacher.
No preparation needed – some copies of the play will be provided. Contact Ellie Shafer as to what dish you’ll be bringing.20171209T100000Home of Ellie Shafer0Book Club ****CANCELLED****free1ai1ec-2309@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZGail Ostrow; fullgail@optonline.net
Along with thousands of congregations across the country, CHJ will hold its annual Human Rights Havdalah program. We will celebrate the Declaration of Human Rights and begin examining our own privilege, both historically and in the present moment. We live side by side with stunting poverty and hunger and inequality in one of the two richest counties in the U.S. It’s time to look to ourselves to understand the problems before we can fix them. How do we contribute to existing inequalities? Interactive exercises and discussion will help us explore what comes next in the struggle for human rights.
Fairfield Winds Duo: Max Moon & Kate Wegener will be playing a set of Beethoven duets while we gather and eat.
A light supper will be served. Please bring beverages to share: apple cider, soda water, wine, etc.
Park in the lot across the street or behind the church and enter through the side door. Please do not come up the stairs into the kitchen. It will be held in the library.
Max and Kate have each distinguished themselves as leading musicians in the community. Oboist Kate Wegener, a senior at Joel Barlow High School in Easton, is the winner of the 2017 Norwalk Symphony Young Artist Concerto Competition and the 2017 Greater New Haven Youth Orchestra Concerto competition. This past summer she earned a place in the 2017 National Youth Orchestra of the USA and toured Latin America.
Max Moon will start as a Freshman at USC in January, 2018. He studied bassoon at the Manhattan School of Music Pre-college and is the recipient of the Paul Stebbins Bassoon Pre-college scholarship. He is the winner of the 2017 Greater Bridgeport Symphony Young Instrumentalist Competition and opened for the March, 2017 GBS concert.
This is open to the public so bring your friends.20171209T184500+41.134907;-73.286758Southport Congregational Church @ 524 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT 06890, USA0Human Rights Havdalahfree1ai1ec-2052@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.net
A screening of the award-winning documentary:
“100 Voices – A journey home”
A musical documentary that tells the history of Jewish culture in Poland. It highlights the personal reflections and musical selections of a group of cantors and acclaimed composer Charles Fox, who made a historical mission to the birthplace of Cantorial music. Learn about and re-embrace the Jewish culture that produced one of the most artistic and educated societies that once flourished in Europe. Above all, the film celebrates the resilience and the power of Jewish life, while telling the story of two peoples who shared intertwined cultures.
Coffee, snacking, and schmoozing starts at 9:30 a.m.; Film at 9:45 a.m.
Do your ancestors hail from Poland or nearby areas of Eastern Europe? Share your family stories at our post-film discussion!20171210T09300020171210T110000+41.165257;-73.339877Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Cancelledfreeai1ec-2103@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@alumni.princeton.edu
Join us for an inter-generational Hannukah party featuring homemade latkes and CHJ’s traditional White Elephant gift exchange! New members will be welcomed into the congregation as we show them how we celebrate one of the most beloved Jewish holidays. Details to follow via email.*Eat, drink and schmooze, while catching up with old friends and making new ones.
*Enjoy a skit performed by members of the Men’s Rap Group.
*Help carry on the popular tradition of the White Elephant Grab Bag! Please bring a small, wrapped gift to place in the grab bag pile. One gift per person. But don’t fall in love with your pick, since it can be taken from you. As the saying goes, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure!
Members with last names from A-L, please bring a hearty salad or appetizer (some examples: cheese plate; small veggies/dips; mini burritos; spinach pies; salmon or crab cakes; sushi; deviled eggs). Those with last names from M-Z, please bring a dessert. CHJ will provide homemade latkes and beverages.
Adults, please RSVP to Rhona Robbin Smith @ rhonarobbin@yahoo.com. Families with children, please RSVP to Beth Ulman @ ulmans@optonline.net. When you RSVP, please let Rhona or Beth know what dish you plan to bring so that we can avoid unnecessary duplication.
****Follow Rhona Robbins’ email with directions to the venue.****
20171216T18300020171216T210000+41.176133;-73.293638Greenfield Hill Church @ 1051 Old Academy Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824, USA0CHJ Hannukah Partyfreeai1ec-2359@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDANA Preis; danapreis@gmail.com
Come join us to schmooze and eat. All CHJ men are welcome.20171223T093000Home of Dana Preis0Men’s Rapfree1ai1ec-2089@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRoberta Frank; rcfnpl2@gmail.comCome enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.20171224T100000Home of Roberta Frank0Women’s Rapfree1ai1ec-2054@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.net
Sunday School – 9:30am to 11:45am
Adult Ed – 9:30am to 11:15 am
Bennett Muraskin is a noted author, columnist, and Hirshhorn scholar. He is author of The Association of Jewish Libraries Guide to Yiddish Short Stories. He conducts adult education programs for the Jewish Cultural School and Society, in West Orange, NJ, and the Congress of Secular Jewish Organizations.
An interactive program that reveals the hundreds of Yiddish words and expressions that have entered our English vocabulary. Come a Yiddish novice, leave a Yiddish maven with a list you can share with friends and mishpokhe (family).
Coffee, snacking, and schmoozing starts at 9:30
Program starts at 9:4520180107T09300020180107T114500+41.165257;-73.339877Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School / Adult Edfreeai1ec-2362@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBeth Ulman; ulmans@optonline.net
Written by Michael & Jacob Koskoff
Michael Koskoff will attend and moderate a discussion after the film!
You can link to this article: http://jewishjournal.com/culture/arts/225791/marshall-portrays-justices-early-work-golden-era-black-jewish-relations/
There will be pizza.
20180112T190000Home of the Ulmans0Pizza & Movie Night – MARSHALLfree1ai1ec-2367@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZEllie Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.net
We will be reading the play “Marty” at the meeting. It would be helpful if you brought your own copies of the play.
A potluck luncheon follows. Please contact Ellie with the dish you will bring.20180113T100000Home of Ellie Shafer0Book Club – Play Reading “Marty”/Luncheonfree1ai1ec-2381@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726Z12th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Featuring:
*Keynote speaker Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, winner of the National Book Award for Nonfiction for “Stamped from the Beginning,”
*Chris Coogan and the Good News Gospel Choir
*Dance students from the Regional Center for the Arts
*Weston High School Jazz Ensemble
Free admission with the Box Office 203-227-4177
Childcare and activities will be provided by The Westport/Weston Family YMCA
Co-sponsored by InterFaith Council of Westport-Weston,
TEAM Westport, the Westport Library, and the Playhouse.20180114T150000+41.141603;-73.354769Westport Country Playhouse @ 25 Powers Ct, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Martin Luther King,Jr. Celebrationfree1ai1ec-2055@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.netSunday School, 9:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m, Bedford Middle School, Westport, CT
Adult Ed, 9:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. A CHJ Sunday Schmooze: “Growing up Jewish”
A CHJ Sunday Schmooze
“Growing up Jewish”
At CHJ our members are our best asset. Sunday Schmooze is a new adult ed format in which we enjoy learning from and about each other by discussing a Jewish topic of particular interest to our members. Schmooze aims to bring together the best aspects of rap session conversations and retreat discussion explorations: women and men together, with a facilitator to help launch and coordinate the session, and a preselected current Jewish topic sure to spark good exchanges.
At “Growing up Jewish” members will share their experiences with Judaism (or lack thereof!) as kids, how these experiences affected us, and how they influenced the adults we have become. Our members hail from remarkably diverse backgrounds – how did our experiences lead to us all ending up together in a Humanistic Judaism congregation? For those who are parents – what Jewish experiences have you created for your children, and with what goals?
Come to share your own stories and learn about your fellow congregants!
Coffee, snacking, and schmoozing starts at 9:30
Discussion starts at 9:4520180121T09300020180121T114500+41.165257;-73.339877Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School / Adult Edfreeai1ec-2382@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMike Retsky; michael.retsky@gmail.com
CANCELLED
Come enjoy the camaraderie of CHJ men. We schmooze and eat bagels from 9:30 to 10:00am. The meeting starts at 10am.20180128T093000Home of Mike Retsky0Men’s Rap ***CANCELLED***free1ai1ec-2090@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMichelle Tomarkin; tomarkin@optonline.netCome enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.20180128T100000Home of Michelle Tomarkin0Women’s Rapfree1ai1ec-2376@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726Zshalomct.org/mitzvah
The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism selected Gail Ostrow to be our 2018 recipient of Federation for Jewish Philanthropy Mitzvah Hero Award. The Federation Mitzvah Hero Award was created to honor the doers of our community – the ones who truly exemplify the values of Tikkun Olam and our Jewish responsibility to help repair the world. Mitzvah Heroes were selected from each of the congregations in the Federation catchment area. The Mitzvah Hero will be held at our Mitzvah Hero event. The event will include a kosher wine-and-cheese reception at The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Campus, and will feature a wonderful speaker – David Jaffe, author of “Changing the World from the Inside Out: A Jewish Approach to Personal and Social Change.”
$18/per person. Space is limited. Please R.S.V.P. @ shalomct.org/mitzvah or call 203-226-8197.
20180128T17000020180128T190000+41.212354;-73.231592Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Campus @ 4200 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA0Mitzvah Hero Award – Gail Ostrowfree$18/personai1ec-2104@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMarcia Kosstrin; " tales4living"@aol.com
This is a family-friendly event!!!
There will be a service, great food and music with our exuberant and talented song leader Adam Feder.
Tu B’Shvat is one of our most popular annual events, so sign up early.
Please bring a main dish or salad for the pot luck. If you bake, and would prefer to bring a dessert, please let me know.
We will supply drinks, dessert and ceremonial foods.
We’ll need volunteers to set up at 4 PM and also to clean up, so please let us know if you can help with either set of activities.20180203T180000+41.134907;-73.286758Southport Congregational Church @ 524 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT 06890, USA0Tu B’shvat Seder- Celebrate Jewish Earth Dayfree1ai1ec-2306@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJoann Heimann; jkheimann5@gmail.com
On an unseasonably warm spring day in 1924, twenty-two-year-old Jane Fairchild, a maid at an English country house, meets with her secret lover, the young heir of a neighboring estate. He is about to be married to a woman more befitting his social status, and the time has come to end the affair—but events unfold in ways Jane could never have predicted.
In Mothering Sunday, Booker Prize-winning novelist Graham Swift has crafted an emotionally soaring and profoundly moving work of fiction. Join us to discuss this novel, even if you haven’t read it.20180210T100000Home of Joann Heimann0Book Club- Mothering Sundayfree1ai1ec-2331@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZJohn Levin; jlevin@tfm-llc.com
What, if anything, makes humans unique?
Join us for cocktail hour, dinner, science quiz (with prizes!), and presentation by Yale Lecturer Mark Sheskin on the topic at 10th Annual Darwin Day Dinner.
The popular event has been growing in attendance each year.
Banquet tables collaborate and enter a science quiz. No prior training is required to enjoy this social event. Winners will earn fame, prizes, and accolades — one more reason the Annual Darwin Day Dinner remains the best science party this side of the Kuiper Belt!
The event is open to the public, all are welcome, and everyone will likely go home smarter.
6 pm Cocktail Hour, 7 pm Full Course Dinner
Cost: By check $69 per person, discounted to $64 if received by Feb. 3. Or online using PayPal $71.33, discounted to $66.14.
Information and registration at darwindayct.org20180210T180000+41.060405;-73.506961Water's Edge at Giovanni's @ 2748 Boston Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820, USA0Darwin Day Dinnerfree1ai1ec-2105@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMarcia Kosstrin; " tales4living"@aol.com20180210T180000+41.134907;-73.286758Southport Congregational Church @ 524 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT 06890, USA0Tu B’shvat Seder SNOW DATEfree1ai1ec-2066@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@optonline.netA documentary that tells the history of Jewish culture in Poland. It highlights the personal reflections of a group of cantors and acclaimed composer Charles Fox, who made a historical mission to the birthplace of Cantorial music. This moving film offers so much, from music to learning about and
re-embracing the Jewish culture that produced one of the most artistic and educated societies that once flourished in Europe. The film celebrates the resilience and the power of Jewish life, while telling the story of two peoples who shared intertwined cultures.
Coffee, snacking, and schmoozing starts at 9:30
Film at 9:45
Do your ancestors hail from Poland or nearby areas of Eastern Europe? Share you family stories at our post-film discussion!20180211T09300020180211T114500+41.165035;-73.339724Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School / Adult Ed – Documentary of Jews in Polandfreeai1ec-2490@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAlex Mack; alexandra.mack@att.net
All CHJ members are invited to attend our next Board Meeting. Please RSVP Alex if you plan to attend.20180213T193000Home of Alex Mack0Board Meetingfree1ai1ec-2489@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMike Retsky; michael.retsky@gmail.com
Join us at Men’s Rap. Bagels and…at 9:30. Meeting begins at 10.
Please RSVP Mike Retsky.20180224T093000Home of Mike Retsky0Men’s Rapfree1ai1ec-2091@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZSuzanne Friedman; suzannefriedman@sbcglobal.netCome enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.
This will be a potluck breakfast. Please let Suzanne know what you will be bringing.
20180224T100000Home of Suzanne Friedman0Women’s Rap- Location Changefree1ai1ec-2065@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.net
Videos about Sherwin Wine will be discussed.20180225T09300020180225T114500+41.165035;-73.339724Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School / Adult Ed- Discuss Sherwin Winefreeai1ec-2056@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLaura Snow; cinema1233@aol.com20180304T09450020180304T120000+41.165035;-73.339724Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School Purim Partyfreeai1ec-2308@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMARILYN BROWNSTEIN; msbrownstein18@yahoo.com
Homicide detective Meyer Landsman of the District Police has enough problems without worrying about the upcoming Reversion of the Sitka District to Alaskan Control. His life is a shambles, his marriage a wreck, his career a disaster. And in the cheap hotel where Landsman has washed up, someone has just committed a murder—right under his nose.
At once a gripping whodunit, a love story, and an exploration of the mysteries of exile and redemption, The Yiddish Policemen’s Union is a novel only Michael Chabon could have written.
Come, even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion and goodies to eat.20180310T100000Home of Marilyn Brownstein0Book Club – The Yiddish Policemen’s Unionfree1ai1ec-2427@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZGail Ostrow; fullgail@optonline.net
Because we were snowed out on December 9th, we will also be celebrating Shabbat/Havdalah across America.
We will celebrate the Declaration of Human Rights and begin examining our own privilege, both historically and in the present moment. We live side by side with stunting poverty and hunger and inequality in one of the two richest counties in the U.S. It’s time to look to ourselves to understand the problems before we can fix them. How do we contribute to existing inequalities? Interactive exercises and discussion will help us explore what comes next in the struggle for human rights.
We will be sending out a short questionnaire a week before the event. Please print it out and fill it in and bring it with you.
A light supper and dessert will be served. Please bring beverages to share: wine, apple cider, soda water, etc.
Please RSVP to Gail Ostrow (fullgail@optonline.net) by Saturday, March 3rd, so we can order enough food for everyone. This program is suitable for young people 12-years-old and up.
Please park across the street or in back but enter through the side or front entrance. Please do not come in through the back and up the stairs into the kitchen.
20180310T183000+41.135046;-73.286958Southport Congregational Church @ 524 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT 06890, USA0Human Rights Havdalafree1ai1ec-2057@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAlexandra Mack; alexandra.mack@att.net20180311T09300020180311T114500+41.165035;-73.339724Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School / Board Meetingfreeai1ec-2092@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRuth Windsor; randrbunker@charter.netCome enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.20180318T100000Home of Ruth Windsor0Women’s Rapfree1ai1ec-2059@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.net20180325T09300020180325T114500+41.165035;-73.339724Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School / Adult Edfreeai1ec-2083@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZEllie Shafer; ershafer@sbcglobal.net20180403T180000TBD0Passover Sederfree1ai1ec-2060@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@sbcglobal.net20180408T09300020180408T114500+41.165035;-73.339724Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School / Adult Edfreeai1ec-2482@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRhona Robbin Smith; rhonarobbin@yahoo.com
Jacqueline Woodson’s Another Brooklyn heartbreakingly illuminates the formative period when a child meets adulthood—when precious innocence meets the all-too-real perils of growing up. In prose exquisite and lyrical, sensuous and tender, Woodson breathes life into memories, portraying an indelible friendship that united young lives.
And for a ‘richer experience’ read Brown Girl Dreaming also by Woodson.
Join us to discuss this book, even if you haven’t read it. There’s always a lively discussion.
20180414T100000Home of Rhona Robbin Smith0Book Club – Another Brooklynfree1ai1ec-2093@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRuth Light; ruthlight1@comcast.net
Come enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.20180415T100000Home of Ruth Light0Women’s Rapfree1ai1ec-2067@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZDave Shafer; shaferlens@optonline.net20180422T09300020180422T114500+41.165035;-73.339724Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School Makeup / Adult Edfreeai1ec-2061@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLaura Snow; cinema1233@aol.com20180429T09300020180429T114500+41.165035;-73.339724Bedford Middle School @ North Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA0Sunday School Graduationfreeai1ec-2491@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZRuth Windsor; randrbunker@charter.net
We will be deciding on future books to read. Come and put in your 2 cents.20180512T100000Home of Ruth Windsor0Book Club – Organizational Meetingfree1ai1ec-2085@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726Z20180519T190000TBD0Shavuot Celebrationfree1ai1ec-2094@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLibby Miller; ldmflowers5330@gmail.com
Come enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.20180527T100000Home of Libby Miller0Women’s Rapfree1ai1ec-2483@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZLibby Miller; ldmflowers5330@gmail.com
Gwendolen Harleth gambles her happiness when she marries a sadistic aristocrat for his money. Beautiful, neurotic, and self-centred, Gwendolen is trapped in an increasingly destructive relationship, and only her chance encounter with the idealistic Deronda seems to offer the hope of a brighter future. Deronda is searching for a vocation, and in embracing the Jewish cause he finds one that is both visionary and life-changing. Damaged by their pasts, and alienated from the society around them, they must both discover the values that will give their lives meaning.
George Eliot‘s powerful novel is set in a Britain whose ruling class is decadent and materialistic, its power likely to be threatened by a politically emergent Germany.
Come to discuss this novel, even if you haven’t read the book. There’s always a lively discussion.20180609T100000Home of Libby Miller0Book Club – Daniel Derondafree1ai1ec-2484@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZBook TBD20180609T100000TBD0Book Club – TBDfree1ai1ec-2086@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZAlexandra Mack; alexandra.mack@gmail.com20180610T120000TBD0Annual Meetingfree1ai1ec-2095@humanisticjews.org20180222T043726ZMyrna Retsky; retsky.myrna@gmail.com
Come enjoy refreshments and socializing with CHJ women. A topic is chosen at the gathering. It’s a great way to get to know each other.20180624T100000Myrna Retsky0Women’s Rapfree1